A meeting of the HHLA and METRANS Corporate Network took place in Tallinn. The Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine was represented by its Chairman, Oleg Grygoriuk, and Oleksandr Shuturminskyi, Chairman of the MTWTU's Local Trade Union Organisation "Unity" at CTO, a subsidiary of the German HHLA Group.

Participants exchanged updates on developments in the countries where the group’s companies operate and discussed the next steps in implementing the Letter of Intent between HHLA, the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (ver.di).

One important outcome of the meeting was the assurances given by HHLA representatives regarding the future of the CTO and its employees. Raising the issues of the terminal’s continued operation and the protection of workers’ rights, Oleg Grygoriuk stressed the importance of safeguarding jobs and ensuring decent working conditions. In response, company representatives said that HHLA had no plans to make redundancies, that the terminal would continue operating, and that employees would continue to receive decent wages.

“Ukrainian port workers are courageous and dedicated professionals. They deserve respect, stability and decent working conditions. HHLA’s position—its commitment to protecting jobs, keeping the CTO operational and ensuring decent wages—is an example of a responsible and fair employer. This approach is especially important today, as Ukrainian port workers continue to do their jobs at risk to their lives, while believing in and helping bring about Ukraine’s victory. People are our country’s most valuable resource, and their wellbeing and safety must be a priority,” said Oleg Grygoriuk, Chairman of the MTWTU.

“We highly value the professionalism of Ukrainian port workers and their contribution to the CTO’s operations. In circumstances that demand exceptional resilience, they continue to do their jobs and support the terminal’s operations. It is important to HHLA that employees’ voices are heard and their interests are taken into account in the company’s decisions. The MTWTU plays an important role in this process by representing employees and helping to develop meaningful social dialogue,” said Torben Seebold, Chief Human Resources Officer.

The discussions also covered changes within the group and the MSC–HHLA partnership, the development of social dialogue and collective bargaining, and the possibility of establishing a European Works Council.