EMF calls on Nokia Siemens Networks to involve employee representatives in restructuring plan at European level
The European Metalworkers’ Federation has reacted today to the announcement by Mr. Simon Beresford-Wylie, Nokia Siemens Networks CEO, of 2.900 job cuts in Germany and 1.700 in Finland.
Although a downsizing of the workforce had been forecast last year when the merger between Nokia and Siemens network activities was announced, the news of some 4.600 job losses in only two countries has come as a kick in the teeth to many NSN employees. National employee representatives have indeed complained that information received from the management was inaccurate and had no relevance to enable a proper discussion of the restructuring process.
Peter Scherrer also expressed surprise and concern at the fact that, given the European scope of the restructuring, Nokia Siemens Networks had not tried to ensure proper information and consultation of employee representatives at European level. “We hope that the merger that took place on 1st April 2007 did not put an end to the culture of solid industrial relations that prevailed in NSN’s two mother companies – Nokia and Siemens. We hope to see the newborn NSN living up to the reputation of its mother companies”.
The European Metalworkers’ Federation has called on Nokia Siemens Networks to engage rapidly into negotiations that will lead to an agreement for the setting up of a new European Works Council.
The restructuring plan at Nokia Siemens Networks comes in the wake of ongoing restructuring at Alcatel-Lucent and other high-technology companies in the metalworking industry. It reveals a worrying shift of highly-qualified jobs from Europe to other parts of the world. The European Metalworkers’ Federation will do its utmost to raise the EU Commission awareness on such a pattern and will continue negotiating with companies to guarantee the safeguard of jobs in the industry.
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PRESS 30/2007
The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.
For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary
