Hundreds Protest Planned IAV Job Cuts in Berlin Tech Sector

Berlin’s automotive technology sector is facing renewed pressure after hundreds of employees at engineering service provider IAV protested planned job cuts at the company’s Berlin-Charlottenburg headquarters.

The demonstration was organized by the union IG Metall Berlin, which said around 900 people joined the rally to oppose the company’s restructuring plans.

Last week, IAV informed staff that about 1,400 jobs would be cut across its German operations, with Berlin expected to bear the largest impact. According to the company, around 1,250 employees in the capital are affected.

IAV plans to sell its Berlin site by the end of June 2027. The company said only a “compact core” workforce would remain in Berlin, while other employees would be offered transfers to Gifhorn in Lower Saxony.

The planned changes have raised concerns within Berlin’s tech and automotive development industry, where IAV has long been active in electric mobility, autonomous driving and vehicle engineering.

IG Metall described the plans as a “massive downsizing” and criticized proposals to increase working hours while reducing pay elements and vacation days despite existing collective agreements.

Political figures also attended the protest, including Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey and Labour Senator Cansel Kiziltepe, both members of the SPD.

The rally also drew participation from leading candidates for Berlin’s upcoming House of Representatives election, including Steffen Krach, Werner Graf and Elif Eralp.

IAV is considered one of Germany’s leading automotive engineering service providers. The company specializes in vehicle development technologies linked to e-mobility and autonomous driving and employs around 5,500 people across five German locations.