Breaking News: Kitchen Builder Forster Faces Wage Crisis Despite Liquid Assets
ARBON, – A critical situation has unfolded at kitchen manufacturer Forster Swiss Home in Arbon, Switzerland. Despite claims of sufficient liquidity to keep operations moving, numerous employees are still awaiting their due wages. The company’s failure to pay April and May wages has put around 100 workers in a dire financial situation.
Employees Seek Unemployment Compensation
Now, employees of the kitchen builder have turned to the Thurgau unemployment fund for insolvency compensation. According to Regula Marti, spokeswoman for the Cantonal Office of Economics and Labor (AWA), a total of 122 employees have applied for these funds. The unemployment fund has already processed 35 partial payments, with plans to expedite complete payments to workers who submit correct and complete applications.
Forster’s Financial State: Assessing 현실
Although the exact number of employees is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 135 to 154, the company maintains that there is enough money to sustain basic business operations. Sven Bradke, spokesman for Forster, assures that the company has sufficient liquidity to continue running its production, sales, and office activities. Furthermore, collection of the proportionate May wages has been prioritized.
Investor’s Role in Financial Lifeline
In a show of support, Swiss investor Giovanni Cerfeda has offered an interest-free loan to mitigate the company’s financial constraints. Cerfeda announced his readiness to allocate up to CHF 1.8 million to cover the outstanding wages and supplier invoices.
Uncertain Future and Working Conditions
Despite the promise of continued liquidity, the future of the company, especially its leadership, remains uncertain. Investor Giovanni Cerfeda has expressed intentions to replace the current management team led by Max Müller, Ipek Demirtas, and Andreas Sandmann. This decision hangs over the company as administrators continue to assess the best path forward.
Emphasizing Employee and Operational Continuity
Besides wage payouts, maintaining the operational mobility of the company’s service providers is another priority. Bradke noted that efforts are underway to restore the mobility of field workers, essential for delivering and installing kitchen units.
The narrative surrounding Forster Swiss Home and its wage crisis underscores the delicate balance of maintaining business operations amidst economic challenges. This development not only highlights the immediate impacts on employees and stakeholders but also reveals the intricate financial mechanisms at play in the world of kitchen manufacturing.
