The company management and the employee representatives of BASF SE have concluded a new site agreement entitled "Shaping the future for a strong site". The agreement applies to the employees of BASF SE at the Ludwigshafen site and has a term of five years. It initially covers the period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028 and will be automatically extended by a further two years if the agreed targets for restoring profitability are achieved.
The agreement is a response to the current economic and geopolitical conditions in the chemical industry. The focus is on securing the competitiveness and adaptability of BASF's largest Verbund site. At the same time, it creates the basis for structural changes and provides for a waiver of compulsory redundancies during the term of the agreement.
Safeguarding jobs and investments
BASF undertakes not to make any redundancies for operational reasons for the duration of the agreement. At the same time, the company continues to plan extensive investments in the Ludwigshafen site. According to its own information, around 2 billion euros per year will be invested on an ongoing basis, but at least 1.5 billion euros. The funds are earmarked for the modernization of infrastructure, the expansion of capacities and measures for sustainable transformation, among other things.
Transformation, organization and qualification
Another focus is on the further development of organization and working methods. The plan is to simplify structures, increase flexibility and use digital tools and artificial intelligence to boost productivity. In addition, working time management will be further developed and staff deployment will be supported by digital tools.
The agreement also focuses on employee training and development. Modern learning formats and targeted development opportunities are intended to ensure the employability and innovative strength of the workforce.
Health, mobility and dialog
Investments in health programs, mental health and individual prevention are also part of the agreement. In addition, BASF promotes sustainable mobility options, for example by expanding the charging infrastructure for electromobility and supporting local public transport. A transparent exchange between company management and the Works Council as well as regular reviews of implementation are also stipulated.
Katja Scharpwinkel, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and Labor Director of BASF SE, emphasized that the agreement enables necessary changes and at the same time creates orientation and reliability. Sinischa Horvat, Chairman of the Works Council of BASF SE, sees the agreement as a clear commitment to the Ludwigshafen site and to the employees.