PRESS STATEMENT IG Metall calls for clear statements on the situation at Bombardier

Jürgen Kerner, Chief Treasurer of IG Metall and Executive Board member responsible for the rail industry, expects Bombardier and Alstom to provide clear statements on the status of talks and plans regarding a possible merger: “The companies must address the merger rumors as soon as possible. They must not leave employees in the dark about their future any longer.” The union leader also called on the federal government to actively intervene in the talks between Bombardier and Alstom. “The rail industry is a key sector in Germany and is indispensable for the climate-conscious transportation transition amid growing mobility and logistics needs,” Kerner emphasized. “Deutsche Bahn is a major customer in the industry and a state-owned enterprise. The federal government therefore has a duty to take industrial policy measures in the interests of employees and to secure the industrial base. Preserving the locations and jobs must be the top priority. I expect a clear commitment from German policymakers on behalf of the employees!”

IG Metall assumes that a merger between Bombardier and Alstom would be assessed under antitrust law in the same way as the merger between Siemens and Alstom that was blocked by the European Commission last year. Should it nevertheless go ahead, IG Metall will not accept any unilateral consolidation in Germany. Bombardier has many locations in Germany, and Alstom’s largest plant is also in Germany. “One thing is certain: Companies cannot grow together on their own—only the people who work there can. These people need job security and prospects,” said Kerner.

Further information and press photos of Jürgen Kerner