Bayer in talks over short-term working

Bayer MaterialScience has met with employee representatives to discuss the introduction of short-term working practices.

The plans – which may affect those in science sales jobs at the Bayer subgroup’s German plants – follow a "sharp decline in orders and the consequent unsatisfactory capacity utilisation", according to a statement from the company.

In addition to 1,500 workers at sites in Krefeld-Uerdingen, Leverkusen, Dormagen and Brunsbuttel, managerial staff may also experience cutbacks.

Chairman of the Bayer Joint Works Council Thomas de Win urged the company to review every possibility for protecting jobs.

"An intelligent solution needs to be found which helps to lessen the burden on the company while minimising the impact on employees," he commented.

The statement said Bayer MaterialScience employees outside Germany may be subject to similar plans. It has a global workforce of around 15,200.

Earlier this week, Bayer also announced work on a new production plant for carbon nanotubes began in Germany. Some 20 jobs are expected to be created at the facility.