HEUKING advises HHLA AG on the largest reorganization in German seaport history – Collective agreements finalized with ver.di
A comprehensive employment law team, led by HEUKING Partner Dr. Andreas Walle, legally advised and supported Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA AG) on concluding the most extensive reorganization to date among German seaport companies.
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG is a leading European logistics company. It manages various subsidiaries, in particular three container terminals in the Port of Hamburg.
With advice from HEUKING, collective bargaining agreements have now been concluded with the trade union ver.di and a large number of works agreements with the Group Works Council and the respective co-determination bodies in Hamburg. The agreements form a basis for the implementation of important efficiency and modernization measures at HHLA in Hamburg. The aim of the company's measures is to align structures and processes even more closely with the needs of customers in order to meet the increasing demands of global competition. All container operations will be restructured, functionally realigned and increased in their efficiency and reliability through comprehensive automation. The creation of joint operations of several sponsoring companies changes all operating procedures, management and works council structures. In addition to the cross-terminal management of container handling, the plan is to deploy employees at HHLA's container terminals in the Port of Hamburg in the same way, as well as targeted investments in the qualification of employees. The agreements are the result of intensive negotiations.
Dr. Andreas Walle: "The conclusion of these long-term collective agreements forms the basis for an accelerated implementation of future central transformation projects through the agreement of special process agreements. With comprehensive qualification measures and clear commitments to social security, a balanced and resilient solution for a stronger future was found with the trade union and works councils. We are pleased to be able to accompany HHLA on this path."
HEUKING advises and represents HHLA AG and its subsidiaries in all matters of employment law. Together with Frankfurt partner Michael Neises, Dr Walle also advised the Executive Board of HHLA AG on issues of corporate co-determination as part of the negotiation of the Business Combination Agreement (Shareholders Agreement Part 2) with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the world's largest container shipping company MSC.
Dr. Andreas Walle: “The successful conclusion of these long-term collective agreements paves the way for the accelerated implementation of key future transformation projects through specialized process agreements. By integrating comprehensive qualification initiatives and firm commitments to social security, we have achieved a balanced and sustainable solution in collaboration with the trade union and works councils - one that strengthens HHLA’s future resilience. We are proud to support HHLA on this transformative journey."
Counsel to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AktiengesellschaftHEUKING:
Dr. Andreas Walle (Lead),
Dr. Eva Kettner,
Dr. Julia Fiedler,
Dr. Volker Voth,
Theresa Arndt, LL.M. (Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas) (all Employment), all Hamburg,
Michael Neises (Capital Markets), Frankfurt
