Günther: Windhorst failed to deliver on his commitments.

The Nobiskrug shipyard constructs luxury vessels. - Günther: Windhorst failed to deliver on his commitments.

The head of Schleswig-Holstein's regional government, Daniel Güther, slammed the business practices of Nobiskrug shipyard owner Lars Windhorst during a recent visit to the ailing shipyard. Güther noted that none of the assurances Windhorst gave in March have been honored. "In Schleswig-Holstein, people value a pledge being kept," the CDU official asserted on Monday in Rendsburg.

To illustrate his point, Güther mentioned that the shipyard's employees, who had been working for a full year, ought to have had their salaries made available to them at the company. However, that did not happen, as per Güther's account. Windhorst also sought to appoint a new managing director at Nobiskrug's facilities in Rendsburg and Flensburg by May 2024, yet that role remains empty. "It's high time for Mr. Windhorst to step up," Güther highlighted.

Prior to this, Güther engaged in discussions with the works council chairman of the Nobiskrug shipyard, Marcus Stöcken, as well as representatives from the IG Metall about the state of the shipyard. In contrast to their March meeting, Windhorst was not present at this discussion. Güther also expressed his disapproval of Windhorst's absence, as the state government wishes to engage in dialogue amid the shipyard's difficulties.

"The morale among the workforce is still grim since we're focused on unfavorable working conditions," detailed works council chief Stöcken. "Unfortunately, we're unable to perform the tasks we aim to - constructing ships." The safety procedures at the shipyard site also need improvement. For instance, the fire alarm system hasn't been tested. Windhorst was informed of this yet there was no reaction.

Thomas Hölck, an SPD member and shipyard representative, said, "the prospective issues with Mr. Windhorst were predictable." In the past, he confirmed, Windhorst's words didn't hold much weight for him. "The Minister President has elevated this predicament to a priority. This implies that he's capable of finding a remedy for the shipyard. Güther must now act accordingly." The shipyard's 600 employees have pinned their hopes on him.

Investor Lars Windhorst's spokesman stated that Windhorst won't be responding to Güther's allegations straight away. Nevertheless, Nobiskrug's Flensburg Shipyard Company will hold a press conference on Wednesday, where Windhorst will address the situation at the shipyards.

Nobiskrug was acquired by Flensburg Shipyard Company (FSG) in 2021. Additionally, the FSG, owned by Windhorst, is considered one of the major industrial employers in northern Schleswig-Holstein, together with Nobiskrug employing approximately 600 individuals.

Read also:

1. Daniel Günther, the leader of Schleswig-Holstein's regional government, expressed his discontent with Lars Windhorst's business practices at Nobiskrug shipyard, citing broken promises made in March.
2. Güther emphasized the importance of adhering to commitments in Schleswig-Holstein during a Monday visit to Nobiskrug's facilities in Rendsburg, specifically mentioning the delayed payment of employees' salaries and the unfulfilled promise to appoint a new managing director by May 2024.
3. In a discussion with the works council chairman of the Nobiskrug shipyard and IG Metall representatives, Günther pointed out Windhorst's absence from the conversation, urging the businessman to actively engage in dialogue to address the shipyard's challenges.
4. Thomas Hölck, an SPD member and shipyard representative, encouraged Günther to tackle the predicament at Nobiskrug, as he believes Windhorst's promises are not reliable and the shipyard's employees, numbering around 600, count on Güther's intervention.

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