Information Event at Meyer Werft

An information event was hosted for the Meyer Werft workforce in Baudock I this morning. The works council and management board provided information regarding current events.

In a highly emotional speech, Bernard Meyer elucidated his goals, visions and attachment to the Papenburg location and the people working here. His family has been working for many generations to ensure the growth and success of this shipyard. The decision to pass on this responsibility to the next generation is well-prepared. That this responsible mode of action by him and his family is now in dispute with regard to the shipyard jobs, is disturbing, hurtful and not comprehensible. The Papenburg location has the largest order book of its shipyard history and, as such, a great opportunity to design the future.

In the meantime, the number of employees has increased to 3,300, which is significantly more than the 3,100 employees whose jobs are guaranteed within the context of the site continuation agreement. This contract is binding for him, the shipyard exceeds all requirements, and there is no reason to doubt this.

The backgrounds of the Luxembourg decision, the alleged and actual consequences, as well as the structure within the entire group, were described. The business tax would still be paid at the headquarters of the companies in Papenburg and Warnemünde, and this would also remain unchanged. The fears are entirely without reason. There is an extensive information system on the shipyard that has been agreed with the works council and in which all corporate data is presented in a transparent and comprehensible manner. And, apropos, “Luxembourg has no harbour,” says the managing director.

The chairman of the works council, Ibrahim Ergin, did not question the management’s safeguarding of jobs and the location. However, one would like to have the security that no disadvantages are incurred for the employees.

The preservation and retention of the codetermination is at the heart of the works council’s demands. The moratorium agreed between the state, IG Metall, the works council and the corporate management board was addressed by the chairman of the works council. The works council and company management would now like to clarify the open questions rapidly.