Trade union representatives express grave concerns about possible take over of Aker Yards ASA by Korean STX
In becoming the main shareholder of Aker Yards ASA via its conglomerate STX, Korea is about to make an unmistakable entrance into the European shipbuilding arena. Aker Yards ASA represents 20,000 direct employees (plus twice as much again if one includes sub-contractors), in 18 yards (10 in the EU, 5 in Norway, 1 in the Ukraine, 1 in Vietnam and 1 in Brazil), with orders placed for 140 ships. It’s a thriving business which represents an extraordinarily high degree of know-how in terms of civil and military high value-added ships. “These are the very ships whose production guarantees the existence of a competitive shipbuilding industry in Europe and essential advanced technology” stated Peter Scherrer, the General Secretary of the EMF.
Co-operation between Korean and European yards and companies may sometimes be of mutual interest and beneficial to both parties, but in the STX –Aker Yards case, this seems to be a big challenge. EMF considers the statements in which the STX expresses its eagerness to remove high value-added shipbuilding from Europe to Korea, as a cause for concern. In light of what is going on, Europe should not remain inactive.
EMF has supported the industry’s view on the development of the shipbuilding sector in Europe in the LeaderSHIP 2015 program. The European trade unions of the Metal industry have a vital interest in a dynamic industry, based on greater R&D input, on education investments, on workers’ rights, on a good image and on an international level playing field. It has become evident that the Korean attitude towards, for example, the level playing field differs a great deal from the European one. The EMF calls on STX to guarantee the workers’ and trade unions’ information, consultation and participation rights.
The European Commission will publish its inquiry on the STX deal on 21st December 2007. Before that, it is urgent that Member states affected by shipyard sites prepare for a common approach on how to keep the initiative in highest value-added shipbuilding in European hands and how to strengthen its development here.
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PRESS 47/2007
For more information please contact Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary.
