ESSEN/DUISBURG (dpa-AFX) - The Executive Board of industrial group Thyssenkrupp has rejected accusations by employee representatives that it has ignored them in the planned investment of EP Corporate Group (EPCG) in the steel division. "This was never the case and is not intended in the future," the parent company announced in Essen on Monday.

In recent months, the Group has repeatedly emphasized in committees and publicly that it is in ongoing talks with EPCG with the clear goal of a partnership. "In addition, all parties involved have long been aware that Thyssenkrupp AG is aiming for a 50/50 joint venture with the EP Corporate Group," the company explained. As a strategic partner, EPCG is to contribute its expertise as an energy trader and supplier to the planned conversion of steel production to more climate-friendly manufacturing processes.

Management Board: "Surprise should have been limited"

Last week, employee representatives were informed that the company was now in advanced negotiations regarding EPCG's participation in the steel business. "The surprise at the results achieved last Friday is likely to have been limited for the reasons mentioned."

Thyssenkrupp had announced on Friday that Germany's largest steel manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Steel would be getting a co-owner "with energy expertise". The Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky and his holding company EPCG will initially take over 20 percent, with a further 30 percent being negotiated. The aim is to form a joint venture in which both partners each hold 50 percent.

IG Metall: "López ignores co-determination"

Thyssenkrupp's Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board Jürgen Kerner, who is also the Vice Chairman of IG Metall, stated on Friday that the news of the acquisition came as a "surprise". "Co-determination only found out about the decision a few hours before the public. That is not good style and not a good start," he explained. In a flyer published on Saturday, IG Metall then announced that the news had "hit like a bomb". CEO Miguel López and Supervisory Board Chairman Siegfried Russwurm had "once again circumvented co-determination and thus deliberately offended us". One headline read: "López ignores co-determination".

Tekin Nasikkol, Chairman of the Steel General Works Council, was quoted in the leaflet as saying: "We are not being informed by these gentlemen any more than the law requires. This is more than a provocation for a traditionally co-determined company like ours. It is a calculated declaration of war."

In its announcement on Monday, Thyssenkrupp repeated a statement made by López on Friday: "Our goal is a concept for the future that leads to the economic independence and entrepreneurial success of Thyssenkrupp Steel, meets the requirements of climate protection, avoids compulsory redundancies and is widely accepted." The dialog with all bodies and with the workforce is a crucial element in this, the Executive Board emphasized. The intended expansion of the group of shareholders would have no influence whatsoever on existing works agreements and collective agreements, the management emphasized.

Thyssenkrupp wants to continue dialog "across the board"

Thyssenkrupp AG will continue the dialog with the committees, with the workforce and politicians, with the media and the general public "across the board". IG Metall and the Steel General Works Council have called on Thyssenkrupp employees from all locations to take part in a protest rally in front of the Steel headquarters in Duisburg on Tuesday (April 30). The workforce of Duisburg-based steel manufacturer Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) has also been invited. The protest is to be held under the slogan "Future instead of dismissal" against the "strategic circumvention of co-determination". Over 10,000 employees are expected to attend./tob/DP/jha