Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturer of printing presses, Koenig and Bauer, is to cut up to 460 jobs in Moedling and Ternitz, Lower Austria. This is part of a European-wide restructuring programme concerning Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic.
As announced, the unit in Ternitz will be closed down (60 job cuts). Reportedly, first cuts are starting at the beginning of 2014.
Furthermore, the management announced the transfer of the sheetfed offset press programme to the German plant of Radebeul, where it is to be concentrated. The production of banknote printing machines is to remain in Moedling.
As reported, the restructuring is due to reduced demand for printing presses in the media sector.
Unions have expressed their concern, as they worry that the downsizing would lead to the complete closure of the Austrian sites within the next years.
UPDATE, 06-02-2014:
After negotiations between management and the trade unions (who presented an alternative restructuring concept) had failed, the company's employees went on an open-ended strike on 6 February 2014.
UPDATE, 11-02-2014:
On 10 February, further negotiations between the works council and management took place. The strike was ended and a reduction of redundancies could be achieved. Instead of 460 job losses, only 385 will be implemented, starting in July 2014. The running time of the social plan was extended to five years.
Eurofound (2013), Koenig & Bauer (KBA), Internal restructuring in Austria, factsheet number 76346, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/76346.