Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp AG, has voiced strong concerns following the recent Supervisory Board meeting of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG. In a statement reflecting deep dissatisfaction, Kerner criticized the replacement of three experienced steel executives, describing the move as a significant setback for the company.
"The removal of the three experienced steel board members sets us back by miles," Kerner stated. "These personnel decisions distract from the real issues at hand. This is damaging to the company. Over a year after Mr. Lopez took over as CEO, we are facing a complete disaster."
Kerner's remarks underscore the severity of the situation at thyssenkrupp Steel, which he suggests is in the midst of one of the most serious crises in its history. He pointed to a number of unresolved issues that have been exacerbated by the recent management changes. "Not a single problem has been solved with this escalation. On the contrary, everything is being delayed, and solutions are becoming more difficult to achieve," he said.
Among the key issues highlighted by Kerner are the lack of progress on critical matters such as the IDW6 audit, the financing of restructuring plans, and the development of a business plan for the steel division's independence. He also expressed concern over the unclear involvement of investor Daniel Křetínský and the management of costs for the construction of the DRI plant.
"Thyssenkrupp Steel is in perhaps the greatest crisis in its history. It's all or nothing. What we urgently need now is calm, continuity, and an experienced management team that can focus on the immense challenges we face," Kerner emphasized. "Instead, what we have is maximum chaos: the experienced steel board has been pushed out in a headless action, the steel supervisory board is embarrassed, and the political sphere is highly nervous. The company's value under Mr. Lopez has halved. Tens of thousands of employees are deeply unsettled."
Kerner called on CEO Miguel Ángel López Borrego and the shareholders to "finally come to their senses," stressing the importance of addressing the real problems with broadly supported solutions. He also expressed gratitude to Sigmar Gabriel and Detlef Wetzel for their efforts in seeking balanced solutions over the past months.
In response to the escalating situation, the employee representatives on the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp AG have requested a special meeting of the board to clarify the current situation. "The employees now need clarity. They have a right to know what comes next," Kerner concluded.
