OREANDA-NEWS. During an official visit to Ukraine, Lothar Szych, an attache from the German Embassy in the Russian Federation and representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs of Germany, visited Metinvest's Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol (MMKI). He was introduced to the social policy of the enterprise and learned what the management was doing to improve the working conditions and living standards of employees, and to increase the level of industrial safety.

At the German Embassy in the Russian Federation, Szych is responsible for social issues, including labor and health care. His area of responsibility includes Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Szych has worked in trade union organizations, and accordingly pays special attention to the interaction between enterprises and their employees. This was his first visit to Donetsk region.

MMKI representatives told the attache about the plant's history and major projects implemented in the fields of the environment, and health and safety. Szych discussed working conditions and social benefits provided to employees with the leaders of the trade union. He learned that the collective bargaining agreement provides for annual health coverage for employees and their families. He gave high marks to the plant's social policy.

“In Germany, the principle of social partnership is very important,” said Szych. “However, I see social partnership plays even a greater role here than what we have. I have worked extensively with trade unions so I am very happy when I see companies like yours. I frequently hear from employers that they do a lot for their employees, but later I hear a slightly different opinion from the unions. I am glad that here the opinions of the employees and the trade unions match.”

Before visiting the production site, the diplomat took mandatory safety instruction and all of the required personal protection equipment. When his tour of MMKI's Basic Oxygen Furnace was finished, he advised the plant's management to share their experience with the rest of Ukraine.

“The prevention of accidents and education are the most modern and progressive approaches to health and safety,” he said. “The combination ensures that there is effective protection and safety. I think that you could be a role model for all Ukrainian enterprises.”