Economic Affairs Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia voices worry over Thyssenkrupp's situation.
Thyssenkrupp Faces Major Restructuring, Alarming State Government
Dramatic restructuring measures at Thyssenkrupp have sparked concerns within the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The state's Minister of Economics, Mona Neubaur, has expressed worry over potential dismantling and job cuts. Thyssenkrupp's management has outlined its plans, but there is no indication of forthcoming job losses.
Neubaur calls for transparency from Thyssenkrupp, expressing the need for "reliability and a clear course" for the company's employees. She perceives the speculative dismantling talks as harmful, stating that they undermine the prospect of constructive solutions. The strategic realignment of the company, if implemented with restraint, social responsibility, and a firm commitment to NRW's industrial locations, could present an opportunity, Neubaur suggests.
The minister emphasized the state's funding investment in Thyssenkrupp, stating that the preservation and transformation of industrial value creation is a key concern for the state government.
IG Metall, Germany's largest metalworkers' union, has demanded the exclusion of dismissals for operational reasons. After media reports of planned dismantling, the Thyssenkrupp board has spoken out, promising to present the company's future direction to the supervisory board by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year. The board intends to make all business areas of Thyssenkrupp independent and open them for third-party participation.
The works council and IG Metall are open to discussion but express reservations about dismantling the company, which employs nearly 100,000 people. Clear statements on employment and locations are needed, according to IG Metall.
Thyssenkrupp's restructuring plan involves splitting the company into independent businesses, with the Steel division being positioned as a competitive entity with reduced production capacity. Major sites, such as Duisburg, may see partnerships or changes in operations. The company headquarters is expected to shrink significantly, with staff potentially reducing from 500 to 100.
The close cooperation with IG Metall aims to avoid forced layoffs, focusing on voluntary workforce reductions and internal reassignments. The union and supervisory board are currently in discussions to complete a collective bargaining agreement by summer 2025.
In light of Thyssenkrupp's restructuring plan, Neubaur, the Minister of Economics, suggests the strategic realignment be implemented with restraint, social responsibility, and a firm commitment to NRW's industrial locations. She also emphasizes the importance of clear community policies regarding employment and locations, such as vocational training programs, to ensure financial stability for the affected workforce and businesses.
