Bremen – Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall, called for a European policy that serves the interests of workers in his May 1 speech in Bremen.
Social division is also the cause of the rise of nationalists and right-wing populists in Europe. “Europe must become more socially oriented. In many countries, a large proportion of young people are unemployed, and one in five EU citizens is struggling financially.” Skepticism toward Europe is particularly pronounced among the middle-aged generation currently in the workforce. They too often perceive the EU as a threat to employment. This comes as no surprise to Hofmann: “Who falls in love with a single market or austerity policies? You can fall in love with a Europe that makes life better—a social and democratic Europe. That’s why we say: Europe. But let’s get it right this time!”
Hofmann also calls for a change of course with regard to transformation. Politicians and employers must take an active role in the digital and ecological transformation of industry.
“We cannot simply carry on as before. Anyone who focuses solely on returns and dividends instead of investing in the future will find themselves pitted against the workforce and the unions,” Hofmann told 5,000 participants at Bremen’s Domshof.
The automotive industry—and suppliers in particular—will be affected by the ecological transition. Up to 150,000 jobs could be lost there due to the shift to electric powertrains. Hofmann: “These upheavals can only be managed if we invest heavily now in training and in the jobs of the future. This requires new tools, such as the transformation short-time work allowance. This will allow employees to remain in their companies during this structural change and be trained for roles involving new products and services. Both sides will benefit from this.” IG Metall wants to hold employers accountable for ensuring binding workforce and skills planning.
The union leader called on people to participate in the IG Metall rally in Berlin on June 29. Under the hashtag #FairWandel, metalworkers will demonstrate for a social, ecological, and just restructuring of industry and urge both the government and companies to take action.
To prevent the transformation from deepening social divisions, collective bargaining coverage must be strengthened, Hofmann demanded. “Collective bargaining coverage is the foundation for a just working world. It guarantees security, solidarity, and democracy. Wage and pension levels, as well as equal opportunity, depend on strong collective bargaining agreements.”
Speech by Jörg Hofmann on May 1
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Unions are demonstrating on May 1 for a social Europe and a fair transformation
