Spanish banking giant Santander has initiated negotiations with trade unions regarding a voluntary early retirement scheme for up to 3,000 employees in its domestic market.
The move, reported by Handelsblatt, marks a significant step in the bank's ongoing efforts to optimize its cost structure amid a challenging economic environment.
The proposed program targets staff in Spain, Santander's home market, and is designed as a voluntary measure.
While specific financial details of the package have not been disclosed, the scale of the initiative suggests a material impact on the bank's headcount and operational expenses.
The bank is engaging with labor representatives to finalize the terms of the offer.
This development aligns with a broader trend among European banks to reduce overhead and improve efficiency.