- Large numbers of dockworkers voice their discontent over MSC agreement
Just a few days prior to the decisive vote in Hamburg's Parliament regarding shipping firm MSC joining Hafenlogistik company HHLA, large groups of dockworkers took to the streets in objection. Estimates suggest that hundreds, possibly even over a thousand, individuals participated in the protest. The event started at the landing bridges, moved past the town hall, and concluded at HHLA's headquarters in Hafencity. Initially, the police did not disclose an exact number.
Protesters donned orange and yellow high-visibility vests and carried signs reading 'Stop' with the text 'MSC Deal' emblazoned on them. Verdi banners were also prevalent, as were flags and slogans from left-wing extremist organizations like the DKP or MLPD and from anarchists. Chants echoed through the streets, such as "Our port, our city, make the MSC deal collapse!" and "Long live international solidarity!" Some demonstrators wore Palestinian keffiyehs, while others bore signs proclaiming "Freedom for Palestine!". Police in protective gear monitored the peaceful protest, which, despite causing minor traffic disruptions, remained orderly.
MSC to Secure 49.9% of HHLA
Hamburg's red-green Senate aims to bring Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on board to bolster the stability of Hamburg Port and Logistics AG (HHLA) and its container handling. The city would maintain a 50.1% stake, with MSC acquiring 49.9%. Previously, the city owned approximately 70%, with the remainder in free float.
In exchange, MSC plans to increase its cargo volume at HHLA terminals to one million standard containers annually by 2031. The Swiss shipping company also intends to establish a new German headquarters in Hamburg and inject an additional 450 million euros into HHLA's equity capital, in conjunction with the city.
The Approval Was Long Overdue
Initially scheduled for approval during the last parliamentary session before the summer break, the deal was deferred due to the opposition's refusal. The final vote is now scheduled for September 4, the first session following the summer break. Given the two-thirds majority held by the red-green coalition in parliament, a decision aligned with the Senate's desires is highly likely.
However, objections to the deal have surfaced from Verdi and dockworkers, who view it as a potential threat to employment not only at HHLA but also at other harbor companies such as the General Port Operation (GHB) and lashing operations. They argue that MSC would essentially obtain extensive veto powers. Experts have also expressed concerns about the deal, labeling it as a 'historic error'.
Resistance Also among Red-Green Supporters
Lately, resistance has arisen even within the red-green community. In a public letter, Social Democrats from the Forum Democratic Left for the 21st Century (DL21) urged SPD MPs to vote against the deal in parliament. The state association of the Green Youth also opposes MSC's entry. Berkay Güür, Green Youth spokesperson, stated to the German Press Agency, "The assumed success of a single company holds no value for the prosperity of city society". MSC's sole objective is to "increase executive salaries, expand their global presence, and boost personal wealth."
"Social Democrats for HHLA in Public Ownership" initiative pens in their open letter, "Worldwide societal experiences - hospitals, energy supply, public transport, or similar - demonstrate: Privatizations of public infrastructure strengthen private monopolies, burden public finances sustainably, and lead to deteriorations for employees and the general population". The harbor, being a part of the infrastructure, should be under democratic control and serve the economic interests of all.
During the protest, banners and signs from left-wing extremist organizations like the DKP were visible among the demonstrators.
The opposition against MSC joining HHLA, including Verdi and the DKP, argues that MSC would gain extensive veto powers with the deal.
