Management has communicated about an escalation in their actions to the workers' council
In the heart of the Ruhr area, Germany, the workforce at TKSE is facing a challenging period. The company has been subjected to further attacks by its board, with proposals that have sparked anger and resistance among employees.
Recently, the board has proposed that the works council sign a board list without proper negotiations, a move that many view as a breach of due process. This proposal, if not agreed upon, could potentially lead to direct dismissals, voiding the agreed waiver of dismissals for operational reasons.
The situation at TKSE is a cause for concern, given the broader challenges facing the Ruhr area. Historically, the region has experienced significant structural changes, particularly in the coal industry, leading to a decline in employment. The area is currently undergoing economic transformation, with efforts to diversify into new sectors, but this process involves significant investment and can be fraught with uncertainty.
Germany, as a whole, faces labor market challenges, such as a mismatch between worker qualifications and labor market demands, particularly in technical professions. There is also a shortage of skilled workers, which can affect industries in the Ruhr area. Additionally, the economic slump has led to increased unemployment, and Germany's welfare system can potentially reduce incentives for some to seek employment.
In light of these challenges, support for the workforce in the Ruhr area, including potential adjustments at TKSE, might include training and skills development programs to enhance skills in emerging industries, initiatives that encourage employment, and further investment in infrastructure and STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) policies.
The flyer distributed by IG Metall and the works council on Saturday detailed 10 central points regarding the current situation at TKSE. The abolition of training places at TKSE is causing anger among the workforce, with many expressing concerns about the future of many people in the Ruhr area. In response, the Solidarity Circle Steel "No one pushes us away!" has been formed to support the workforce and will meet next Saturday, July 12, at 3:00 PM at the Citizens' Office "Strong in the North" at Hamborner Altmarkt 8.
The board's withdrawal of the takeover guarantee for remaining trainees is another point of contention. Threats of dismissals are increasingly met with resistance from the workforce, with one colleague at Gate 1 stating, "No cent waived! No job less! And take over all trainees - we need them!"
This attack on the TKSE workforce by the board was discussed among colleagues on Friday, and the proposal is being met with anger and is seen as blackmail by many. The 10 central points in the flyer from IG Metall and the works council concern the current situation at TKSE and offer a clear call to action for those seeking to support the workforce during this challenging time.
The board's proposal for the works council to sign a board list without proper negotiations, as seen in the current situation at TKSE, could potentially lead to serious financial consequences for both the company and its employees. This move, if not agreed upon, might affect the energy sector in the Ruhr area, as it at risk of losing crucial skills and talents.
Moreover, the proposed direct dismissals could further exacerbate the labor market challenges the Ruhr area already faces, given the historic decline in employment in the coal industry and the current economic transformation. This could potentially lead to a shortage of skilled workers in the finance and business sectors of the region, stalling the progress towards diversification.
