Chemnitz – Eastern Germany is becoming an increasingly attractive industrial location for leading companies in key future-oriented industries—but this development will not happen on its own. In light of the looming economic upheavals, Eastern Germany in particular needs a targeted industrial policy that keeps both the establishment of new future technologies and the preservation and transformation of existing industries in mind. At its industrial policy conference for Eastern Germany in Chemnitz, IG Metall therefore called on the federal government to pursue a clear industrial growth strategy and make targeted investments for Germany’s future.
Wolfgang Lemb, executive board member of IG Metall and, in this capacity, responsible for industrial policy and regional structural policy, among other things, stated: “Examples such as Tesla, Intel, CATL, or the billion-euro investments by German automotive companies show that Eastern Germany has a future as an industrial hub. After years of painful structural change, modern, high-quality industrial jobs are now being created here.
At the same time, however, thousands of jobs are in acute danger: If we do not quickly secure a competitive electricity price for energy-intensive industries, the steel and forging industries—as well as the chemical industry—will be brought to their knees. That would be a severe blow to the basic materials industry in eastern Germany. That must not happen. One thing must be clear: support from taxpayer funds does not come for free, but only in exchange for adherence to collective bargaining agreements, employee participation, commitments to maintain operations in the region, and investments in the green transition. This is how windfall effects can be avoided.”
Carsten Schneider, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany, said at the conference in Chemnitz: “Eastern Germany is a competitive region for innovation. This is demonstrated by renowned international investors from key future-oriented industries such as microelectronics, e-mobility, battery technology, and solar technology. Key locational advantages include the availability of renewable energy, a good transportation infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, outstanding internationally recognized research institutions, and large commercial sites.
But at the same time, companies must also actively seek out skilled workers. Attractive working conditions and fair pay help in this regard—collective bargaining agreements and employee participation in decision-making provide the best foundation for this.”
As part of the industrial policy conference for eastern Germany, approximately 70 works council members and union representatives, invited by IG Metall, discussed the future of industry in eastern Germany with representatives from politics and academia. They focused in particular on the opportunities and prospects for employee participation in the workplace.
The conference also featured the presentation of the works council award “Together. Committed. Courageous. — For a Bright Future!”was presented. The award recognized the work of the works council members at GKN Driveline Germany’s Mosel plant. They had long fought against plans to close their plant in Mosel and, together with the workforce, ultimately secured a social collective bargaining agreement with above-average severance payments. In addition, management has committed to finding an investor for the plant.
