Verdi fights against MSC entry at HHLA: a symbolic argument

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The decision of the Hamburg Citizenship to welcome the shipping company MSC as a new partner to the port logistics officer HHLA caused heated debates in the city. Despite considerable protests from different sides, the red-green coalition has brought the controversial deal through. This has moved the Verdi union to a combative reaction that clearly articulates the risks and concerns.

The deal was supported on Wednesday evening in a name of 72 out of 105 MPs present, while 33 voted. The consent was not necessarily a surprise, because in the past the red-green coalition had also shown a strong interest in stabilizing the HHLA. In order to achieve this, the city wants to continue to hold 50.1 percent of the shares, while MSC receives 49.9 percent. This means a significant change of 70 percent urban property to a quarterly share for the shipping company.

The plans of MSC and the reactions of Verdi

Hamburg's Senate sees the partnership with the international shipping company as a possibility to give the container envelope in the city new impetus. In return, MSC has announced that they almost double the cover capacity at the HHLA terminals and to build a new Germany center in Hamburg. In addition, HHLA's equity is to be increased with an investment of 450 million euros. At first glance, these framework conditions are promising and supposedly should not only strengthen the port itself, but also the regional economy.

But the Verdi union, which is committed to the rights of port workers, expresses sharp criticism of the deal. Verdi boss Sandra Goldschmidt sees a "black day for Hamburg" in the decision. She warns that this step provides monopoly formation. In their view, the Senate does not adequately respond to the most important questions associated with social-ecological transformation and globalization. Goldschmidt emphasizes that the city should not only be interested in economic factors, but also to the social and ecological matters that are decisive for the sustainability of the port in the long run.

In addition, Verdi warns of the possible losses of political control over the HHLA, since the cooperation with MSC could give the shipping company a factual veto law. This development could mean that basic decisions about the use and management of the port infrastructure are no longer completely in the hands of the city. "The employees of other port companies are also ignored, although they will also be severely affected by these developments," added André Kretschmar, head of department for maritime economy at Verdi. In summary, it can be said that the decision to integrate the MSC shipping company into the HHLA brings with it both opportunities and considerable challenges. With this step, the Senate pursues the intention of positioning the port of Hamburg in a rapidly changing global market. However, the tensions between economic goals and social responsibility could become a central topic of discussion in the coming months.