Press releases

Here you find all press releases from the EMF in 2009 and 2010.

The archive.

07/07/2010

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.

24/06/2010

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.

Pictures from the event.

11/06/2010

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.

03/06/2010

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.

31/05/2010

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.

25/05/2010

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.

21/05/2010

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.”

19/05/2010

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.

30/04/2010

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.

28/04/2010

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.

15/04/2010

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.

08/04/2010

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,

22/03/2010

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.

26/02/2010

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.

23/02/2010

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.

23/02/2010

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.

19/02/2010

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.

03/02/2010

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.

26/01/2010

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.

26/01/2010

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)

22/01/2010

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.

21/01/2010

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.

20/01/2010

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.

23/12/2009

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.

16/12/2009

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.

15/12/2009

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.

04/12/2009

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.

04/12/2009

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’.

23/11/2009

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.

18/11/2009

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.

17/11/2009

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

04/11/2009

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.

03/11/2009

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.

14/10/2009

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.

08/10/2009

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.

22/09/2009

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

22/09/2009

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.

21/09/2009

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

18/09/2009

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.

18/09/2009

Mobilisation of GM workers in Europe

on Wednesday 23 September 2009

at the Opel Plant in Antwerp

13H00-15H00

15/09/2009

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.

See more photos of the action here.

11/09/2009

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.

08/09/2009

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.

07/09/2009

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.

03/09/2009

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.”

12/08/2009

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.

15/07/2009

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.

29/06/2009

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.

23/06/2009

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.

16/06/2009

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.

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