Workers demand clarity for overhaul of Thyssenkrupp steel, marine units (updated)
01/02/2024 14:31
(Adds quotes, details from par 3)
BOCHUM, Germany, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Labour leaders on
Thursday called on Thyssenkrupp's TKAG.DE management to
present a clear strategic solution for the conglomerate's steel
and war ship division, which are both up for sale.
"We need a decision this year on how things will proceed at
steel and marine systems," said Juergen Kerner, deputy head of
IG Metall and deputy chairman of Thyssenkrupp's supervisory
board.
"My expectation for the marine division would be that we
actively use the momentum and tackle its independence," he said,
adding there had never been such broad political support for a
stand-alone future of the division.
Berlin is examining whether to take a blocking minority
in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, while the company is working on
a roadmap to develop the business.
Kerner's comments come a day before the industrial
group's annual general meeting where shareholders will also
press management under CEO Miguel Lopez to speed up its
overhaul, including a planned divestment of steel.
Kerner said a decision would have to be made as to
whether steel should remain in the group or not. "But that is
only possible with an investor," he said adding that outside
money was needed either way.
Lopez has for months been negotiating about a steel
joint venture, which could see Czech energy firm EPH take a 50%
stake in Thyssenkrupp's steel division.
(Reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff; Writing by Christoph Steitz;
Editing by Rachel More, Madeline Chambers)
((christoph.steitz@thomsonreuters.com; +49 30 220 133 647;))