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JOINT STATEMENT Joint Statement by IG Metall and Gesamtmetall

In Support of a Package of Measures to Reduce Energy Costs for Industry and Consumers

IG Metall, Mainforum, Gebäude, Fahnen
Foto: IG Metall

4 March 2022 4 March 2022

  • We, the social partners, are deeply shocked by the war in Ukraine. We call for an immediate end to all hostilities and for Russia to recognize Ukraine’s state sovereignty.
  • In light of Russia’s aggression, which violates international law, economic and financial sanctions against Russia are an inevitable and appropriate response. It is unavoidable that these sanctions will also take their toll on Germany, its economy, and its workers.  
  • Even before this conflict, we viewed the rise in energy prices with concern. We fully support the goal of a sustainable energy supply. However, this requires consistent and thorough planning as well as faster progress in expanding renewable energy sources.
  • The steady rise in energy costs burdens all workers—especially those who rely on mobility—and it burdens businesses, for which energy must not only be reliably available at all times but also affordable. For electricity alone, taxes, levies, and surcharges currently account for 41 percent of the final price.
  • These high tax rates further drive up the cost of energy. They are the result of political decisions, and therefore must first and foremost be addressed at the political level. This would also alleviate the pressure that rising energy prices exert on inflation.
  •  We therefore call on the Bundestag and the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive package of measures to reduce energy costs for industry and consumers, which must take effect immediately. In addition to bringing forward the announced abolition of the EEG surcharge, this includes lowering the electricity tax to the minimum required by European law and, at least temporarily, reducing other excise taxes on energy or capping the burden on household incomes.

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    Joint Statement by IG Metall and Gesamtmetall

Alina Heisig, Pressesprecherin der IG Metall

Alina Heisig

Pressesprecherin

+4969 6693 2646

+49160 533 1185

Alina.Sophia.Heisig@igmetall.de

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