In the Siemens switching plant, the employees fear for their jobs Photo: David’s
By Stephen Peter
Dismay among the employees of Siemens Energy: 400 jobs are at risk in the company on Paulsternstraße!
On Thursday afternoon, management announced the bad news to the employees. The reason for the job cuts is the relocation of production abroad. It is about high-voltage switchgear with the designation “Blue Air”. They are more environmentally friendly, but also more expensive than previous switchgear.
“The decision to cut jobs comes as a complete surprise,” said one employee to the BZ, “the shock runs deep!” Works council boss Rüdiger Groß (57): “Instead of destroying jobs, management should look for good solutions: for the climate and Occupation.”
Many of the employees affected are veteran “Siemensians” who have been with the group for ages (Siemens Energy was spun off in 2020).
Criticism of the job cuts also comes from IG Metall: “Siemens Energy is such an economically strong company and should take responsibility for its specialists,” says Regina Katerndahl (57), deputy representative of the union. “A product relocation abroad shows once again that Siemens focuses on the margin in its trade.”
Siemens only sent a dry statement on Thursday. The Berlin plant is exposed to increasing competitive pressure. “We have therefore announced that we will soon negotiate with the works council about the socially responsible reduction of up to 400 jobs.”