Economic Affairs Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia expresses worries regarding Thyssenkrupp's situation.
Thyssenkrupp Restructuring Alarms NRW Minister of Economy, Employee Representatives Express Concerns
Düsseldorf, Germany - Speculation about drastic restructuring measures at Thyssenkrupp has alarmed the state government in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), with the Green Minister of Economy, Mona Neubaur, expressing concern over disintegration plans and potential job cuts.
Neubaur has called for clarity from Thyssenkrupp, stating, "What people in North Rhine-Westphalia – and especially Thyssenkrupp employees – need now are reliability and a clear course. Public speculation about the disintegration of the company is harmful for constructive solutions." She believes a gradual restructuring can provide opportunities if implemented with restraint, social responsibility, and a commitment to industrial locations in NRW.
Neubaur emphasized the importance of securing the future for Thyssenkrupp employees while seeking a reliable plan, meaningful dialogue with employees, and the guarantee that the restructuring would not lead to job losses. She reminded the company of the extensive state funding earmarked for climate-friendly steel production, industrial strength, and job security.
Thyssenkrupp, facing disintegration rumors, announced it would present its strategic target model to the supervisory board by the end of the current financial year. The company intends to gradually make all its business areas independent, potentially attracting third-party investments for growth. Key restructuring steps include the likely spin-offs of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Material Services, and Automation Technology divisions as well as a planned 50/50 joint venture between Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe and EPG.
However, employee representatives, including IG Metall, have criticized the company for insufficient involvement in the strategic discussion. They demand clear statements on employment and locations and have ruled out dismissals due to operational reasons. The trade union leaders have pledged their support for a solid future for all Thyssenkrupp business fields but reject any division of the company without proper visions for employees and locations in all areas.
- The Green Minister of Economy, Mona Neubaur, has proposed that Thyssenkrupp implement a gradual restructuring of its business areas with restraint, social responsibility, and a commitment to industrial locations in NRW as part of a vocational training and community policy initiative that ensures job security and fosters industrial growth.
- In response to Thyssenkrupp's plans for independent business areas, employee representatives, including IG Metall, have voiced concerns regarding the potential financing required for such transformations and the impact on the future of Thyssenkrupp employees in various business sectors, urging clear statements on employment and locations to safeguard the stability of the company and its workforce in the industry.
