MSC’s planned acquisition of a 49% stake in Hamburg terminal and intermodal operator HHLA hit a hurdle this week when opposition parties in the municipality’s parliament forced a public consultation on the sale.
Hamburg’s governing coalition government had hoped to hold a vote that would see the purchase formally approved before the parliament begins its summer recess, on 10 July.
After the hearing, there will be senate and non-public budget committee meetings, which means, according to local broadcaster NDR, that it is highly unlikely a vote will be taken before the parliament summer recess.
Chief attraction
It is understood, however, that it is HHLA’s large central and eastern European intermodal network, operated by its Metrans subsidiary, that was the chief attraction for the Geneva-headquartered carrier.
Ver.di negotiator Maren Ulbrich said: “The offer the employers have presented is completely inadequate. It does not mean any real wage growth for the employees, and the social component is also absolutely inadequate.”
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Source: Loadstar
