contents
Companies with locations in Russia are under pressure to withdraw. At the same time, they have a responsibility towards their employees on site. Ems-Chemie says that is why it is sticking with the Russian business.
On March 14, the CEO of Ems-Chemie, Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, asked employees in an e-mail to speak of “Ukraine conflict” instead of “war” in their communication.
This drew criticism from the general public. Companies operating in Russia are currently under special surveillance. The food company Nestlé, for example, is repeatedly asked to withdraw from the market and is said to have even become the victim of cyber attacks.
It is still too early for the Ems to decide
So what is Ems-Chemie’s strategy? It is still too early to make a definitive decision, says the CEO. At the moment it is important that the employees on site receive their wages. “Everyday life is very difficult in Russia. It’s clear that in a country where there is no short-time work or unemployment insurance, you don’t want to make layoffs as well,” says Martullo-Blocher in Eco Talk. The people in Russia have no influence on the decisions of the leadership.
According to Martullo-Blocher, the language regulations are also about protecting the employees on site. They faced up to 15 years in prison if they mentioned the word “war” in connection with Ukraine.
Companies are committed to all stakeholder groups
Business ethicist Dorothea Baur also agrees that a withdrawal should not be taken lightly. From an ethical point of view, companies are committed to all stakeholder groups. This included the employees in Russia. Precisely because these may have nothing to do with Putin and his environment.
There is a war going on and if the propaganda suggests otherwise in Russia, then it is up to the corporations that are still present to bring the truth into play.
Nevertheless, she is critical of the language used at Ems-Chemie. Many Russians are now very good at choosing their words. ‘And why withhold the truth? There is a war going on and if the propaganda suggests otherwise in Russia, then it is up to the Western companies that are still present to bring the truth into play.”
Expropriation as a red line
Even if Martullo-Blocher wants to stick to the Russian business, there is also a red line for her. One would have to go over the books again if the company’s Western customers were to withdraw from Russia. And: “We would certainly go out if there were expropriations.”