PRESS STATEMENT Automotive and steel summits must put workers at the center

Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall, on the auto summit: “The auto and supplier industries have cut jobs on a massive scale over the past twelve months, and there is no end in sight. That is why it is the right and necessary move by Chancellor Merz to bring all stakeholders to the table now to find ways out of the crisis together.

For us, one thing is clear: the security and sustainability of jobs must be at the center of all efforts. There is a great deal of uncertainty among employees. Chancellor Merz’s initiative is an opportunity to send a clear signal to employees that businesses and policymakers are now stabilizing the auto industry with a concrete plan and leading it into the future.

To achieve this, companies must finally put an end to the senseless debate over relocating production. I appeal to employers to reflect on their strengths and work with us to drive the automotive industry forward.”

Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall, on the Steel Summit: “Yesterday, Chancellor Merz once again unequivocally reaffirmed his commitment to Germany as a steel-producing nation. This is good news for workers in the steel industry, who are deeply unsettled by the difficult situation.

We are grateful to the Chancellor for taking up our initiative and convening a steel summit. It is important that concrete agreements are reached there: To protect steel jobs in Germany from dumped steel from China and Russia, effective tariff regulations at the EU level are needed immediately. Without this protection, the steel industry will die. Furthermore, a competitive industrial electricity price is needed, effective January 1, 2026.

The problems have been analyzed; the solutions have been outlined. The steel summit must be a summit that delivers concrete results. Companies must take responsibility and do their part. Downsizing, closing plants, and relocating are certainly not solutions. We call on employers to work with us to develop viable prospects for the future and preserve jobs.”

Further information and press photos of Christiane Benner

Further information and press photos of Jürgen Kerner