Press releases
Here you find all press releases from the EMF in 2009 and 2010.
An innovative social agreement
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF), Alstom and Schneider Electric sign a European agreement regarding the social commitments made in the framework of the joint acquisition of Areva T&D.
Save or sink? What future for shipbuilding in Europe?
“Failure by Europe and its Member States to act now would deal a deathly blow to shipbuilding in Europe” pleaded Heino Bade, chairman of the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) shipbuilding committee at today’s shipbuilding conference in the European Parliament.
Philips makes a mockery of employee participation
Philips does not take employee participation seriously.
That is the conclusion reached by the European Metalworkers’ Federation and FNV Bondgenoten at a Decent Work Conference today in Utrecht.
Philips minimizes the influence of works councils and trade unions at all levels of participation in Europe. Representatives hardly ever have an opportunity to have a dialogue at a strategic level.
Bosch: Eine Belegschaft fährt für ihren Standort
English available in PDF (below)
Originelle Fahrradtour von Vénissieux nach Stuttgart.
Die Belegschaft glaubt an das Wunder: Eine Fahrradtour von Vénissieux nach Stuttgart soll nachhelfen.
Clear political commitment needed to safeguard employment and naval shipbuilding capacity in Europe
"Defence products are political products and jobs in naval shipbuilding depend on political decisions! National governments and the EU have a responsibility for naval shipbuilding and its workforce across Europe", affirmed Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary, at today’s EMF Naval Shipbuilding Conference in Brussels.
European metalworkers and employers join forces for a more sustainable EU climate change policy
On 25 May 2010 the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER) adopted a “Common position on EU climate policy”.
The metalworkers and employers insist on a sustainable implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Directive (EU ETS) and oppose more ambitious European climate change targets in the absence of other countries committing to comparable measures.
On Wednesday, 26 May, the Commission will decide whether it will propose a unilateral move of the EU from -20% to -30% in CO2 reductions within the next 10 years.
EMF urges EU Competitiveness Council to adopt an emergency programme for European shipbuilding
“Urgent action is needed from the EU Member States represented in the Competitiveness Council to resolve the desperate situation in the shipbuilding industry” stressed EMF General Secretary, Peter Scherrer at the EMF shipbuilding committee meeting on 20-21 May in Vigo, Spain.
Outlining the situation he went on to say, “The shipbuilding industry is not like any other industry. It is a key driver for environmentally friendly and technologically advanced products.”
European automotive unions call on Valeo to negotiate with Korean Metalworkers' Union
In solidarity with workers from South Korea, the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) Automotive Committee calls on French automotive components maker Valeo to enter into negotiations with the union regarding closure of its South Korea plant.
Time to act for social justice in Europe
Today, the European Metalworkers’ Federation has called for a strong signal from EU governments to show concretely that solidarity is a reality within the EU not merely rhetoric in the Lisbon Treaty.
“We are dependent on each other and should not be divided by those aiming to kill social Europe and solidarity for a quick buck”, stated Peter Scherrer (General Secretary of European Metalworkers’ Federation) speaking on the eve of May Day.
EMF welcomes Commission initiative to create a European Automotive Skills Council
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) welcomes the EU Commission Communication on a “European Strategy on clean and energy efficient vehicles” published today.
Time to Act: European workers call for EU action on electricity and raw materials prices
Today European trade unions in the basic metals sectors have called on the European Commission to act on increasing speculation on raw materials prices and rising electricity prices. In a joint letter to Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Council President Herman van Rompuy, the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the European Mining, Chemical and Energy workers Federation (EMCEF) have called for immediate action from the EU.
Shipbuilding regions send a strong political signal
Joint press release from EMF and CESA (Community of European Shipyards' Associations).
A joint declaration by 33 regional governments on the future of the European shipbuilding industry was handed over today to Professor Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament as well as representatives of the European Council, the European Commission and the President of the Committee of the Regions,
Wind energy: a thriving sector needing thriving unions
As the EU Renewable Energy Week kicks off, metalworking unions from across Europe have taken up the gauntlet of building organising strategies and union coordination to allow workers' rights to grow alongside the nascent European wind energy industry.
Outrageous Bonuses for Top Management in Philips
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) condemns the fact that Philip’s management is celebrating the company’s results by dishing out outrageous bonuses to management as revealed in the 2009 annual report.
European trade union action in response to Opel/Vauxhall restructuring
The Opel/Vauxhall case is a bad example of big multinational companies trying to play off workers and unions across borders. There is only one answer to this in the European metal unions’ view: Unity of the unions and the workers across borders to ensure no plant closures and no compulsory redundancies.
Klaus Franz, Chairman Opel EEF, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary, Berthold Huber, President IG Metall.
Press conference
EMF response to Opel/Vauxhall restructuring - Unity of the unions and the workers across borders
Members of the press are cordially invited to attend a press conference held by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF)
at 18H00 on 23 February 2010
in the EMF offices, 10th Fl., International Trade Union House (ITUH)
5, Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Brussels.
European action day at Bosch Europe
Metalworkers call for a coherent and consistent industrial policy and for consequent social responsibility of Bosch.
Bosch workers in seven countries (more than 21 production sites) participate on Monday, 22nd February 2010 in protest actions to defend employment.
EMF calls on European Council to support steel sector R&D activities in order to achieve EU ETS target
Whilst welcoming the Commission’s decision on 28 January to maintain the target of a 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020 on 1990 levels, the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) believes that this will require far more investment in the development of new process technologies in energy intensive steel and non-ferrous metal industries.
Common position on Antwerp
Common position on Antwerp of the European Employee Forum (EEF), the European Metalworkers’ Federation, the European unions and Works Councils within Opel/Vauxhall
Opel/Vauxhall management breaches the Delta Framework Agreement on the small SUV allocation for the Antwerp plant.
The relocation of the agreed small SUV models is the only reason for the intended closure of Antwerp (see legal statement from GM). There is a pending lawsuit on this matter filed by the unions of Antwerp. It is to be noted that the Antwerp workers have made significant sacrifices since 2007 (€ 20 M. per year) to fulfil the contract from the labour side.
Press Conference: EMF mobilisation and solidarity with GM workers at Opel Antwerp
Members of the press are cordially invited to attend a press conference held by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF)
at 15H00 today 26 January 2010
in the cafeteria of the GM-Opel plant in Antwerp
(Noorderlaan 401,Haven 500, 2030 Antwerpen)
Draka´s New Year resolution 2010 – 125 workers loose their jobs
As part of cost savings plans within Draka’s Communications Group, the Board of Management of Draka Holding N.V. announced on January 5, 2010 that it intends to close its factory in Årnes (Norway). 125 jobs will be lost in a town with 3289 inhabitants.
European Trade Union Organisations condemn GM decision to close Opel plant in Antwerp
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) condemn today’s decision by GM management to close its Antwerp factory. This will affect 2,600 workers on the site and as many as 10,000 in the supply chain.
Metalworkers call for a strong EU 2020 vision based on social cohesion and sustainable industrial investment
In presenting the view of the European Metalworkers’ Federation to the EU consultation on the future EU 2020 strategy, the EMF has called for social and industrial ambition from the new Commission.
GM should pursue alternatives to closure of Saab Trollhättan
“The Saab Trollhättan workforce has made enormous sacrifices to reduce costs and help this GM company survive the economic crisis. These efforts, together with the consultation process with the Swedish unions and authorities, have produced a viable business plan for the future of the company. We trust therefore that General Motors will fully shoulder its responsibilities and agree on an alternative solution to closure of the Trollhättan plant so that all these efforts will not have been in vain”, stated EMF General Secretary Peter Scherrer today.
Prepared and protected workers at core of global climate justice
Fighting climate change will fail to receive public support if there are no measures ensuring social justice. Long-term employment policies and sufficient investment are necessary to ensure a smooth transition to a low carbon economy.
For high social protection and a low carbon economy
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) sees climate change as a dangerous reality for all industrial workers. Tackling it effectively requires a clear social response from policy-makers as well as industrial strategies based on low carbon technologies serving to shore up workplaces in European industry in the future.
Tata Corus decision to mothball Teesside (UK) plant
“Tata Corus’ decision today to mothball its Teesside Cast Products (TCP) activities in the UK is another demonstration of the need for a strong European industrial policy for the steel industry”, stated Peter Scherrer (EMF General Secretary).
The decision to mothball TCP puts 1700 jobs at risk and threatens the manufacturing base of the North East of England.
Metalworkers’ call to COP 15
For a strong European social and industrial policy to tackle climate change - not just more of the same
“We are going to Copenhagen with a clear plan of how industrial workers see their role in the major social and economic changes necessary to achieve ambitious climate goals”, stated Peter Scherrer, General Secretary of the European Metalworkers’ Federation, following the adoption of the EMF position that will be presented to policy-makers on 15 December: ‘Metalworkers on the road from Copenhagen’.
EMF welcomes EU Commission initiative on future of GM Europe and calls for intensified European cooperation
The initiative taken by Vice-President Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, to hold discussions today, aimed at coordinating national activities regarding subsidies for the restructuring of GM Europe, is a very welcome initiative.
EMF Launches 2nd Common Demand
“For more secure employment, against precarious work”
The 6th EMF Collective Bargaining Conference (Madrid, 17th & 18th November) was held under the slogan "Jobs, Rights & Collective Bargaining". Over 220 participants debated the effects of the current crisis on collective bargaining rounds, structures and agreement results throughout Europe.
Press conference
Launch of EMF 2nd Common Demand in respect of Precarious Work
Members of the press are cordially invited to attend a press conference held by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and its Spanish affiliates Industria CC.OO and MCA-UGT
at 13H00 on 18 November 2009
at the:
HOTEL VELADA
Calle de Alcala, 476
E - 28027 Madrid
GM Europe workers deserve a reliable future
GM's announcement yesterday that it has abandoned its planned sale of Opel and will proceed with its own plan for its European plants is a surprising about-turn.
EMF signs agreement with ArcelorMittal
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and ArcelorMittal European management signed an important agreement yesterday 2nd November 2009.
It provides guarantees for the 115,000 workers employed by ArcelorMittal in Europe at a time when the steelmaker has been hard hit by the crisis and a large number of industrial sites have been mothballed.
Employment and competitiveness in the automotive industry: A shared vision of the future
The final event of the European project “Anticipation of Change in the Automotive Industry” will take place on Wednesday, 14th October, at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Special EU council to tackle crisis in the European automotive industry
The European automotive industry has faced a difficult economic and social situation in the past year. Despite initiatives from some EU Member States, fundamental problems are still facing the industry and are jeopardising its future.
GM workers across Europe mobilise in Antwerp tomorrow
Press Information ▪ Press Information
EMF Coordination Meeting 8H30-12H30
Demonstration: 13H00-15H00 outside the plant
Press conference: 15H00 inside the plant
Turkish trade union delegation discusses labour violations with the Cabinet of European Commissioner Olli Rehn
On the occasion of the EMF Automotive Conference held in Elewijt (B), a delegation from the Turkish metalworkers’ union Birlesik Metal and the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) had a meeting yesterday with members of the Cabinet of European Commissioner Olli Rehn to discuss violations of trade union rights in Turkey.
Mobilisation of GM workers in Europe
on Wednesday 23 September 2009
at the Opel Plant in Antwerp
Demonstration: 13H00-15H00 outside the plant
Press conference: 15H00 inside the plant
Press conference: Tackling the social impact of the crisis in the automotive sector
Members of the press are cordially invited to attend a press conference held by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF)
at 12H30-13H30 on 22 September 2009
at the Elewijt Center, Tervuursesteenweg 564, B-1982 Elewijt*
to present the focal points and conclusions of the 2-day conference for company-level representatives on strategies to tackle the social impact of the crisis in the automotive sector.
Mobilisation of GM workers in Europe
on Wednesday 23 September 2009
at the Opel Plant in Antwerp
13H00-15H00
Huge response from Areva workers today to prevent the sale of the T&D Division and safeguard jobs
“Yes to jobs and a future at Areva but no to the dismantling of AREVA by its shareholders.” This was the message from several hundred AREVA workers at a rally in Paris today.
Shipbuilding - That is us! Shipyard workers fight for their jobs
Thousands of high-quality jobs in shipbuilding are at stake if Europe does not act now!
This was the message of several hundred workers from shipyards and their supplier companies at a rally in Bremerhaven today. The rally was joined by international delegates from Spain, Poland, France and the Netherlands.
Video link to Günter Verheugen, EC Vice-President's visit to the Bremerhaven, Germany meeting with IG Metall representatives and EMF General Secretary Peter Scherrer.
Joint statement on upcoming meeting of the GM Board of Directors
Joint statement of the European Employee Forum of General Motors (EEF), the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the European Unions on the upcoming meeting of the GM Board of Directors
The European Employee Forum of General Motors (EEF), the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the European Unions are deeply concerned that GM´s strategy regarding the sale of Opel may lead all European workers into yet another limited situation exactly as we were some months ago.
For jobs and a future at AREVA - Rally on 15 September in Paris
For jobs and a future at AREVA
NO
To the dismantling of AREVA by its shareholders
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the AREVA European Work’s Council (EWC) are calling on workers at all AREVA sites to stage a one-hour protest on 15th September 2009. A main rally to oppose the plan to sell AREVA Transmission & Distribution (T&D) will take place in Paris.
EU Free Trade Agreement with South Korea despite its record of repeated labour rights abuse
In a letter sent to President Barroso this week, EMF General Secretary Peter Scherrer stated that “an agreement reached with partners who do not fully respect human and trade union rights and which, in addition, is unbalanced in terms of economic benefits, should not be concluded.”
Shutting Vestas on the Isle of Wight hinders the future of the wind sector
Vestas’ decision to relocate its plant from the Isle of Wight (UK) shows that short-term financial considerations are still guiding business decisions. Crucially, this is happening in a sector which is meant to be providing new employment opportunities in Europe - the renewable energy sector. It is clear to Europe’s workers that lessons about short-termism of the economic crisis are not making their way through to management. And rhetoric on the promotion of low-carbon industries is not being met with action from public policymakers and politicians.
HP/EDS management cannot muzzle workers’ representatives
UNI-Europa and EMF members in HP/EDS are extremely concerned about the management’s attempt to take advantage of the current crisis to undertake off-shoring to low-cost countries.
Avoid Redundancies – Safeguard Competitiveness – Enter New Markets
Trade union representatives of the EMF demand common European strategy to overcome the crisis in shipbuilding
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) demands a common European strategy for the future of shipbuilding in Europe.
European industry federation support for today’s protest action regarding sacked workers at Lindsey (UK)
A joint statement was issued today by Peter Scherrer, General Secretary of the European Metalworkers’ Federation, Sam Hägglund, General Secretary of the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers, and Reinhard Reibsch, General Secretary of the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers’ Federation, concerning the UK unions' protest action at Lindsey oil refinery today.
A New European Deal for Steel
Urgent action needed for Europe’s steelworkers
5 demands for governments - 5 demands for employers
On the eve of the EU June Summit, the European Metalworkers’ Federation urges policy-makers to adopt a New European Deal for Steel.
