HHLA does not plan to lay off employees at the container terminal in Odesa
16.10.2026 - 09:37
After the acquisition of the terminal by the German logistics holding HHLA, the company will continue its work, and the employees are promised decent wages.
This was stated by the company representatives during a meeting of the HHLA and METRANS corporate network in Tallinn, the press service of the MTWTUU writes.
During the working meeting, the participants discussed the situation in the countries where the group is present, changes within the company, and further steps to implement the Letter of Intent between HHLA, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the German trade union ver.di.
Particular attention was paid to the future of the Odessa terminal and the labor rights of its employees. HHLA representatives confirmed that they do not plan to reduce staff, and the Odesa Container Terminal (CTO) will continue its work.
“The employees of Ukrainian ports are courageous and dedicated people. They deserve respect, stability, and decent working conditions. HHLA’s position, which confirmed its intention to preserve jobs, continue the work of the CTO and provide employees with a decent wage, is an example of a responsible and decent employer,” said Oleh Hryhoryuk, head of the Ukrainian Port Workers’ Union.
According to him, supporting employees is especially important in a full-scale war, when Ukrainian port workers continue to work despite threats to their lives and safety.
HHLA Human Resources Director Torben Siebold also noted the professionalism of Ukrainian port workers and the importance of social dialogue.
“It is important for HHLA that the voice of employees is heard and their interests are taken into account in the company’s decisions,” he emphasized.
In addition, the meeting participants discussed the MSC–HHLA partnership, the development of collective bargaining, and the possibility of creating a European Works Council, a body to represent the interests of employees at the group level.
As previously reported by USM, Odesa Container Terminal helped HHLA increase container turnover in the first half of 2026.
