EMF General Secretary meets EP President

Today a meeting between the President of the European Parliament and the EMF General Secretary took place to exchange views and opinions about the possible takeover of Arcelor by the Mittal group. The EMF General Secretary made it very clear that the EMF is against a possible hostile takeover. "A hostile takeover is always a poor basis for an efficient economic performance but also damaging for functioning industrial and social relations“, the EMF General Secretary pointed out.

The President of the European Parliament, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles (photo) paid great attention to the worries and reservations the European trade union organisation expressed on this occasion. A lasting and sustainable employment, the guarantee for the operation of all plants and a thoroughly structured industrial plan is of outmost importance for the workers in both Arcelor and Mittal plants in Europe. —At the same time, we do need to maintain a highly developed social dialogue at the shop floor level and at the overall group level“ added Peter Scherrer.

The EMF representatives asked the President of the European Parliament to hold a public hearing on the future development of the European steel sector. An initiative for industrial policy for the European steel industry, similar to the recent Cars 21 initiative would be urgently needed. "Essential is the full involvement of all stakeholders in this initiative“, stressed Peter Scherrer.