LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany (April 16, 2009)—German chemicals producer BASF S.E. said it is considering introducing shorter workweeks for its employees at some sites in Germany starting June 1, because of continuing weak orders.
BASF said the assessment is based on a provisional agreement between management and employee representatives in January 2009.
Capacity utilization has been low since the beginning of the year at many plants, and there are no sign of increased orders from customers, said Harald Schwager, board member responsible for human resources and head of the company's Ludwigshafen site.
BASF said rapid re-introduction of normal working hours is possible at any time, should demand for its products pick up.