Revised Workforce seeks Clarification on Thyssenkrupp's Future Outlook - Thyssenkrupp Employees Call for Future Prospects During Rebuilding Process
In a significant move, Thyssenkrupp, the German industrial conglomerate, has announced plans to restructure into a holding company with five independent businesses. This transformation, however, has sparked concerns among employees and their representatives, who are demanding guarantees against compulsory layoffs and a more respectful approach from management.
IG Metall, the powerful German metalworkers' union, and Thyssenkrupp employees are united in their call for a restructuring process that prioritizes future job security and incorporates comprehensive social plans. Tekin Nasikkol, chairman of Thyssenkrupp's group works council, emphasized that the transformation must be carried out "decently and fairly," with the company upholding its social responsibility to the workforce.
This position arises in the context of significant planned job cuts. Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe has announced intentions to eliminate around 11,000 jobs, reducing the workforce from nearly 27,000 to about 16,000 by 2030. IG Metall has strongly opposed these cuts, vowing to resist layoffs and site closures during negotiations. The union insists that discussions include assurances of the company's long-term financial stability to protect workers' futures.
The independent companies will include steel, marine, automotive parts, materials trading, and green technologies sectors. The works councils are demanding the continuation of the agreement during the announced restructuring. Employees also expect a change in management's approach towards their performance, elected representatives, and the company's culture.
The lack of respect from management has been a concern for employees in recent months and years. Jürgen Kerner, deputy chairman of IG Metall and also deputy chairman of Thyssenkrupp's supervisory board, stated that employees expect more respect from management. This demand was reiterated at a conference in Essen, where the works councils of the 130 German Thyssenkrupp sites came together.
The basic agreement, which almost completely excludes dismissals due to operational reasons for approximately 52,000 employees in Germany, will expire at the end of September. Employee representatives and IG Metall have demanded a waiver of dismissals due to operational reasons during the restructuring.
The restructuring aims to make the companies capital market-compliant and independent. Thyssenkrupp management wants to retain the majority in all sectors, except for the steel sector where a 50:50 joint venture is planned. The union, however, emphasized the unique culture of Thyssenkrupp, which they believe should be preserved during the restructuring process.
This stance by IG Metall and employees underscores the need for a balanced approach to restructuring, one that prioritizes job security and social responsibility alongside financial viability. The coming months will be critical as negotiations continue and the future of Thyssenkrupp's workforce hangs in the balance.
- The works councils have demanded the continuation of the employment policy, especially the agreement that prevents dismissals due to operational reasons for a significant number of employees, during the announced restructuring process.
- Employees have expressed an expectation for a change in management's approach towards them, their elected representatives, and the company's culture, as respect from management has been a concern in recent months and years, and was reiterated at a conference in Essen.
