Protests against MSC's involvement with HHLA: Hundreds of dockworkers demonstrate in Hamburg

Shortly before the crucial vote on MSC's entry into HHLA, hundreds of dockworkers gathered in Hamburg for protests.

9/3/2024, 4:22 PM
Eulerpool News Sep 3, 2024, 4:22 PM

Here is the translation of the heading to English:

"Few days before the final vote in the Hamburg Parliament on the planned involvement of the shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in the port logistics company HHLA, hundreds of dockworkers have again gathered for protests in Hamburg. According to police reports, up to 900 people participated in a demonstration march, which led from the Landungsbrücken through the town hall to the HHLA headquarters in the HafenCity.

Many of the demonstrators wore safety vests and carried signs reading "Stop MSC Deal." The rally also featured numerous flags and slogans from leftist extremist groups. The demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Our port, our city, scrap the MSC deal!" and "Raise up international solidarity!" The demonstration was peaceful but caused traffic disruptions in the city.

The red-green Senate in Hamburg plans to involve the Swiss shipping company MSC with 49.9 percent of HHLA, while the city of Hamburg will hold 50.1 percent of the shares. The aim of the deal is to stabilize container handling and strengthen the position of the port. MSC plans to significantly increase its cargo volume at HHLA terminals and establish a new German headquarters in Hamburg.

The deal was originally supposed to be approved before the summer recess but was postponed to September 4 due to an objection from the opposition. Despite resistance from various groups, including unions and parts of the red-green base, the Hamburg Parliament is expected to approve the deal in light of the two-thirds majority of the red-green coalition.

Unions and port workers see a threat to jobs at HHLA and other port companies in the deal. They also criticize that MSC would receive extensive veto rights through its involvement. Experts have also warned of the potential negative impacts of the deal, referring to it as a 'historic mistake'.

Despite the protests and opposition to the deal, HHLA shares recorded a slight increase of 0.12 percent to 16.76 euros on Monday.

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