# Mahle workforce reductions in Motilla del Palancar

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mahle-workforce-reductions-in-motilla-del-palancar
> Updated: 2026-10-27T08:49:17.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 3.

German automotive component manufacturer Mahle announced a plan to cut approximately 170 jobs at its plant in Motilla del Palancar, Cuenca. The company attributed the decision to market challenges and a lack of recovery in the electric vehicle market, noting that manufacturers have delayed or canceled vehicle programs. This follows a previous restructuring a year prior that resulted in 466 layoffs.

The proposal has met significant opposition from labor unions. The CCOO union rejected the plan, criticizing management for a lack of alternatives. Subsequently, the UGT FICA union accused Mahle of acting in “bad faith” regarding the collective redundancy process. UGT specifically criticized the company for communicating the news via a screen and attempting to hold negotiations in Madrid rather than locally, an act they claimed was intended to “subdue and exhaust” worker representatives.

In response to these consecutive rounds of collective redundancy proceedings (ERE), the Popular Party (PP) in the Cuenca Provincial Council is preparing a motion to support the affected workers. The motion seeks to express solidarity with families and urges Mahle to exhaust all negotiation alternatives to minimize losses. Furthermore, the PP is calling on the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha and the Spanish government to present a balance of actions taken regarding the plant and to develop a concrete reindustrialization plan utilizing investment incentives and European funds.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Mahle workers in Motilla del Palancar face second round of layoffs

The PP in Cuenca is proposing measures to support Mahle workers in Motilla del Palancar following two rounds of layoffs affecting hundreds of employees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-workers-in-motilla-del-palancar-face-second-round-of-layoffs

### 2026-10-26: UGT union disputes Mahle layoff negotiations in Spain

The UGT union is protesting Mahle's plan to lay off 170 workers in Motilla del Palancar, demanding negotiations take place locally rather than in Madrid.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ugt-union-disputes-mahle-layoff-negotiations-in-spain

### 2026-10-16: Mahle announces 170 job cuts at Motilla del Palancar plant

Mahle has announced plans to cut approximately 170 jobs at its Motilla del Palancar plant in Spain, citing a slow recovery in the electric vehicle market and shifting automotive demand.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-announces-170-job-cuts-at-motilla-del-palancar-plant

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Cite as: Mahle workforce reductions in Motilla del Palancar. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mahle-workforce-reductions-in-motilla-del-palancar