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German Federal States — News — Shipbuilding — Papenburg — Shipping — Works Council — Lower Saxony — Metal — Meyer Werft GmbH — Workplace — IG Metall

Meyer Werft wants to cut fewer jobs than planned

For around a month, there was a dispute over the elimination of more than 400 jobs at Meyer Werft. Now it is clear: the job cuts are coming, but in a different way than initially planned.

,   and  John Stellmacher
2 min read
New development at Meyer Werft
New development at Meyer Werft

Shipbuilding - Meyer Werft wants to cut fewer jobs than planned

At crisis-stricken cruise ship builder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, fewer jobs are being cut than initially intended by the company. Instead of the initially planned reduction of 440 positions, 340 jobs will be eliminated, as the works council, IG Metall union, and the company management announced at a joint press conference in Papenburg.

The job cuts are supposed to take place as much as possible without compulsory layoffs. 100 temporary positions will expire, and the remaining positions will be reduced through a voluntary program. In return, there will be a minimum employment for 3,100 employees until 2030. An supervisory board and a works council are also to be established. The company's headquarters will be moved back from Luxembourg to Germany.

CEO Ralf Schmitz had announced a harsh restructuring course and demanded the elimination of 440 jobs. This demand met resistance from the works council, IG Metall, and the state government.

Federal and state examine aid

Despite a full order book, the Emden-based traditional company is fighting for its existence. The reason lies in the aftermath of the Corona pandemic, during which the international tourism business came to a standstill. The company was also caught off guard by price increases due to Russia's attack on Ukraine. By the end of 2027, the company must fill a financing gap of 2.7 billion euros. Negotiations are currently ongoing as to whether the Federal Government and the state of Lower Saxony will act as guarantors.

  1. The job reductions at Meyer Werft GmbH, the shipbuilding company located in Papenburg, will primarily involve the expiration of 100 temporary positions.
  2. The Works Council, consisting of representatives from IG Metall, has actively engaged in negotiations to minimize compulsory layoffs within the company.
  3. The decision to keep the headquarters of Meyer Werft GmbH in Germany, instead of Luxembourg, was a result of discussions between the company management, IG Metall, and the state government of Lower Saxony.
  4. The restructuring plan, which includes the elimination of 340 positions, will also involve a voluntary program in the metal-working sector of the company.

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