Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Computerworld | SAP cofounder warns of relocation pending worker vote
Computerworld SAP cofounder warns of relocation pending worker vote: "SAP co-founder and shareholder Dietmar Hopp warned that the business software company could be forced to relocate its German headquarters if employees agree to a workers council at a meeting next week.
Although not opposed to workers councils in principle, Hopp expressed strong reservations about the influence of IG Metall, the German electronics and metal workers' union, in a podcast interview that the German business daily newspaper Handelsblatt made available on Tuesday.
One of Hopp's key concerns is IG Metall's rigid position on working hours. 'If you need to ask the union whether you can stay to make a call to California at 11 p.m., then good night SAP,' he said.
One of the possible consequences, Hopp said, would be to relocate the headquarters. He declined to say which locations would be suitable alternatives.
Hopp, who no longer holds an executive position at SAP, owns 10 percent of the company's stock. "
Although not opposed to workers councils in principle, Hopp expressed strong reservations about the influence of IG Metall, the German electronics and metal workers' union, in a podcast interview that the German business daily newspaper Handelsblatt made available on Tuesday.
One of Hopp's key concerns is IG Metall's rigid position on working hours. 'If you need to ask the union whether you can stay to make a call to California at 11 p.m., then good night SAP,' he said.
One of the possible consequences, Hopp said, would be to relocate the headquarters. He declined to say which locations would be suitable alternatives.
Hopp, who no longer holds an executive position at SAP, owns 10 percent of the company's stock. "
