The criticism of Air Berlin chief Thomas Winkelmann does not tear off: while thousands of employees of insolvent airline fear for ir jobs and worry about being found for a transfer company financiers, manager receives his basic salary in amount of 950,000 Euro. Until end of contract until beginning of 2021 – and also in case of a proper termination. A 400,000 euro bonus was also set for first year. The payment obligations were hedged by Einesogenannte Bank guarantee of up to 4.5 million euros – an industry-standard contract, although many are outraged.
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The CDU economic politician Christian von Stetten told Handelsblatt that he believed that entire complex of takeover of Air Berlin by Lufthansa “will be investigated again at a later date”. He suspects that “some have been agreed in advance” which will “damage competition” afterwards.
In this context, Chairman of CSU-middle-level union, Hans Michelbach, also spoke of “ethical issues”. Winkelmann had taken over post at a time when “re were already considerable justifiable doubts about an economically successful future of Air Berlin”. While manager was comprehensively hedged against risks, many employees and customers were left empty after Air Berlin bankruptcy. This imbalance does not strengn “confidence in our economic order”.
Winkelmann had only taken over job as head of airline in February, before he worked as a manager at Lufthansa, who now buys 81 of last 134 air-Berlin machines and wants to hire up to 3,000 of approximately 8,000 employees.
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The new SPD Bundestag Group CEO Carsten Schneider also found clear words. “The Raffke mentality of chief executive officer of Air Berlin is frightening. In a situation where thousands of employees face unemployment, it’s just social, “he said to world. The green economic politician Kerstin Andreae again called it “immoral if boards of directors plunder ir businesses, while ir employees are just about to resign”. FDP Presidium member Michael Theurer spoke of a “scandalous behavior” Winkelmann.
The head of consumer centres, Klaus Müller, demanded that Air Berlin chief should waive his salary – but for benefit of customers whose tickets expire. “If Mr. Winkelmann takes next job, for example at Lufthansa, it would be a sign of decency if he donates his air-Berlin salary to compensation of passengers,” Müller said to Handelsblatt.
Air Berlin rejected Müller’s criticism. The money for bank guarantee was made by large shareholder Etihad and does not go to insolvency measures of Air Berlin. Through guarantee, Etihad has been an experienced manager for four years and wants to support restructuring efforts in long term.
Funders for transfer company wanted
Meanwhile, search for donors continues for planned transfer company. The costs are in double-digit million range. Such a society would initially protect many air Berlin workers from unemployment. So far, Air Berlin and countries of Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia want to participate in a transfer company.
Lufthansa had refused to support it. The group stated on Thursday that he had already contributed a great deal to ir employees with takeover of large parts of Air Berlin. “Lufthansa has committed itself more than any or actor with creation and acquisition of 3,000 jobs and investments of 1.5 billion euros for sustainable securing of se jobs,” said a spokeswoman of group.
NRW-Labor minister Karl-Josef Laumann demanded that companies involved should “at least bear costs of social security contributions.” This is equivalent to a share of about 40 percent of wage costs. “The federal Employment agency would pay transfer Kurzarbeitergeld in amount of unemployment benefit.”
Meanwhile, federal government has also asked Lufthansa to commit to planned transfer company for Air Berlin. “Lufthansa and or interested parties who take good pieces from Air Berlin must take responsibility for qualification and placement of Air Berlin employees in a transfer company,” said Katarina Barley (SPD) in her role as Minister of Labour. Barley welcomed fact that countries of Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia would like to participate financially in a transfer company. “I would also like to have a similar commitment from Bavaria, where many employees are also faced with loss of ir jobs.”
Difficult talks with easyjet
Meanwhile, Air Berlin’s negotiations are moving with easyjet. The British airline wants to take over 25 aircraft. The Air Berlin management wants to let creditors decide on buyer on Tuesday next week. There is also time-out because Air Berlin is running out of money at end of month. According to DPA information, we will be negotiating with or interested parties such as Condor, so re should be no agreement with easyjet this week.
We are also looking for bidders for technology division of Air Berlin by Friday. Negotiations are being conducted with Berlin logistics time freight, among or things.
