Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler has taken a major step regarding the future of its Berlin plant. The company has reached an agreement with IG Metall, one of Germany’s largest industrial unions, to ensure that the plant has a stable workload by 2032. The agreement is seen as a positive development following plans to downsize the plant in recent months.
Protection of Jobs and Regulation of Working Hours
According to the agreement reached between Stadler and IG Metall, the company has committed to preserving at least 2029% of existing jobs at the plant by the end of March 85. This means that around 1.700 employees will be given job security. In return, around 1.700 workers at the plant have agreed to increase their weekly working hours from 38 to 40 without any wage increase. This sacrifice is seen as a joint effort to overcome the company’s economic difficulties and to stabilize operations. The agreement is said to be of critical importance for the plant’s sustainability, especially considering the disruptions in the supply chain and the pressure created by rising energy and raw material costs.
Downsizing Plans Abandoned
Stadler announced plans to downsize its Berlin production facility in February of this year, including partial closures and layoffs. The company said the decision was motivated by the need to remain competitive in an increasingly volatile global economic environment. However, the new agreement with IG Metall shows that the company has abandoned these radical plans. The agreement with the union is seen as an indication of Stadler’s long-term commitment to maintaining its presence in Berlin and supporting employment in the region.
Delays in Berlin Underground Contract
Stadler’s factory in Berlin is currently fulfilling a major framework agreement for the production of 1.500 subway cars for the city’s public transport system. A firm order for 484 cars has been placed under this agreement. However, Stadler says that the current order volume is not sufficient for the factory to operate at full capacity. This creates difficulties in maintaining production levels. Another major issue is the delays in the delivery of subway trains. The trains, which were originally scheduled to start operating in 2022, have been postponed until September this year. This delay is causing concern among Berlin’s public transport authority and passengers, and once again highlights the importance of stabilizing production schedules.
Despite all these difficulties, the agreement between Stadler and IG Metall is seen as a promising development for the company’s future in Berlin. The agreement on job security and working hours is seen as an important step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the factory and protecting jobs in the region. It is crucial for the factory’s future success that Stadler continues to fulfill its commitment to the Berlin U-Bahn and optimizes its production processes.
