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Thyssenkrupp rebuffs union claims regarding steel stake sale

Thyssenkrupp on Monday rejected allegations by labour representatives that it failed to adequately inform workers about its strategies to offer a stake in its steel unit to Czech energy company EPCG, contributing to growing tension between the two sides.

The remarks underline the fragile relationship in between management and unions in Thyssenkrupp's long-running effort to divest its steel service, a part of the group where employees have been especially influential.

Unions on Friday stated they had actually just been informed of the plan a few hours before it was announced. Thyssenkrupp, on the other hand, stated it had actually been clear for months that the group was in talks with EPCG, which is managed by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

Thyssenkrupp prepares to sell 20% of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe to EPCG.

Responding to claims that employee representatives and unions had actually been passed over in the talks, Thyssenkrupp said that at no point had this had actually held true which there were no plans to do so in the future.

Labour representatives command excellent influence at the German corporation and fill half the seats on its supervisory board. While they can not block significant tactical decisions, their buy-in as a key stakeholder group is viewed as important.

The business also stated it had actually notified worker agents, who have actually called for significant protests at Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe's head office on April 30, recently that it was in sophisticated settlements with EPCG about the stake sale.

The aspect of surprise concerning actual outcomes, which were accomplished this last Friday, should therefore have been limited, the company said.

(source: Reuters)