Rescue Strategy for Bornholm Slaughterhouse

On June 4, 2014, in Randers, a joint rescue plan for Danish Crown's Rønne slaughterhouse on the Danish island of Bornholm was unveiled by the Danish Food and Allied Workers’ Union NNF and the Confederation of Danish Industry. After intense discussions, a five-year deal was agreed upon, ensuring the survival of the slaughterhouse and the employment of its 190 workers. The Danish Ministry of Business and Growth played a significant role in facilitating the agreement, a contribution that the parties involved in the collective agreement greatly appreciated. Ole Wehlast, Chairman of the Danish Food and Allied Workers’ Union NNF, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, which prevents the closure of the Rønne slaughterhouse. He emphasized that the deal does not involve wage reductions for their members, but rather encourages them to invest in their workplace. He also highlighted the importance of giving the slaughterhouse workers the opportunity to vote on the agreement. The agreement includes the creation of an employee investment company to help finance the slaughterhouse's investments. Karsten Dybvad, Director General and CEO of DI, praised the agreement as a testament to the Danish model of collaboration between employees and employers. He also acknowledged the local community's willingness to help overcome the challenges, including the Municipality of Bornholm. The Ministry of Business and Growth will introduce legislation allowing the creation of employee investment companies. Minister for Business and Growth, Henrik Sass Larsen, expressed his relief at finding a viable solution to the serious situation facing the slaughterhouse. He emphasized the importance of the slaughterhouse not only for its workers but also for farmers, secondary industries, and hundreds of families on the island. The Danish State, through the Ministry of Business and Growth, has pledged to provide funds for co-financing new investments at Danish Crown, enabling it to modernize and expand its slaughterhouse operations on Bornholm. The agreement's implementation is contingent on the approval of the rescue plan by both parties in June.