The MEYER WERFT works council is celebrating its 100th anniversary. At the ceremony, invited guests from the company, trade unions and politics paid tribute to the significant achievements of decades of cooperation between the workforce, management and trade unions.

Since its foundation in 1924, the works council has continuously campaigned for safe working conditions, fair pay, health protection and equal opportunities. The anniversary celebration combines a look back and a look ahead: historic negotiations, sustained adherence to collective agreements and a commitment to jobs remain central guiding principles, while modern challenges shape the future of co-determination.

In a video message, Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil conveyed his best wishes for the anniversary: "A century of dedicated work in the interests of the workforce is impressive and deserves great respect. MEYER WERFT remains at the heart of this region and the backbone of the maritime industry. Now it is important to look ahead with courage, ideas and solidarity. This federal government stands firmly by your side. If we all work together now and take the necessary steps with determination, MEYER WERFT will remain strong. Today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years."

As the keynote speaker at the ceremony in the historic freight depot, Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies spoke about the particular challenges of recent years:

"The last few years have been anything but easy for MEYER WERFT and its workforce. It is precisely in times of great challenge like these that the importance of a strong social partnership becomes apparent. The works council and co-determination are a guarantee of stability in turbulent times. Our dedicated colleagues play a crucial role here by working constructively with management to secure the shipyard and preserve jobs. This anniversary is an expression of the power of dialogue and shared responsibility for the success of MEYER WERFT – for the last 100 years and just as much for the next 100 years."

The chairman of the MEYER WERFT works council, Andreas Hensen, said: ‘This anniversary stands for consistency and trust. No matter how difficult the conditions were, together we were always able to find ways to secure jobs, improve working conditions and strengthen a culture of dialogue.’

MEYER WERFT Managing Director Bernd Eikens emphasised in his welcome speech: "Cooperation between the works council and company management has not always been easy. Different perspectives, interests and priorities are part of the picture.

But it is precisely in these areas of tension that the importance of the works council becomes apparent – as the voice of the workforce, as a critical companion and as a constructive partner."

Ralf Reinstädtler, member of the executive board of IG Metall, made it clear in his speech: "Whether in good or difficult economic times, the works council at Meyer Werft has always stood by the employees for 100 years. It was and is the mouthpiece of the workforce, a guarantor of security in times of change and the driving force behind fair working conditions. That deserves our respect and recognition."

The entire workforce was invited to a typical German donut at the MEYER WERFT the day before.