2007
Commission proposal on reduction of CO² emissions from passenger cars greeted with mixed-feelings at EMF
It is with mixed feelings that the European Metalworkers’ Federation acknowledged today the publication of the Commission’s new proposal on the reduction of CO² emissions from passenger cars.
EU reform treaty and charter of fundamental rights
Commenting on the signature of the EU Reform Treaty in Lisbon on 13th December, EMF joins ETUC in recognizing that “the final treaty text is a step forward although it misses opportunities to reinforce Social Europe”. The role of social dialogue and the social partners is only mentioned in the area of social policy.
EMF takes a stand on reduction of CO² emissions
The EMF 106th Executive Committee meeting in Luxemburg on 10-11 December agreed on a position paper on CO² emissions.
The European metalworking industry has thus taken a stand concerning climate change, safeguarding employment and the automobile industry as a driver of technical innovation.
Greek Unions call General strike
The EMF Executive Committee, meeting in Luxembourg on 10th & 11th December, expressed its full support and solidarity with the Greek trade unions' general strike taking place on 12th December.
Sympathy with Italian workers following fatal accident at Turin Steel Mill
A huge fire occurred in the thermal treatment processing section of ThyssenKrupp's steel mill in Turin in the early hours of 6th December. One worker was killed outright, three workers have since died from their injuries and a further three are still in hospital with extremely severe burns.
Trade union representatives express grave concerns about possible take over of Aker Yards ASA by Korean STX
In becoming the main shareholder of Aker Yards ASA via its conglomerate STX, Korea is about to make an unmistakable entrance into the European shipbuilding arena. Aker Yards ASA represents 20,000 direct employees (plus twice as much again if one includes sub-contractors), in 18 yards (10 in the EU, 5 in Norway, 1 in the Ukraine, 1 in Vietnam and 1 in Brazil), with orders placed for 140 ships. It’s a thriving business which represents an extraordinarily high degree of know-how in terms of civil and military high value-added ships. “These are the very ships whose production guarantees the existence of a competitive shipbuilding industry in Europe and essential advanced technology” stated Peter Scherrer, the General Secretary of the EMF.
Anti-dumping measures to sustain employment and market conditions in Europe
The current and heated debate about anti-dumping measures is among other things caused by Chinese state intervention to protect its domestic steel market. The European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF) supports measures to prevent unfair trade relations between China and Europe that can are an obstacle to a sustainable labour market in Europe.
EMF conference in the framework of the South-Eastern European Forum
EMF Conference in the framework of the South-Eastern European Forum ( SEEF)
“EU integration and challenges for trade unions:
For sustainable employment in the metal industry in South-Eastern Europe”
Budapest, 25 & 26 October 2007
More than 70 metalworkers’ trade union representatives from 21 European countries are meeting today and tomorrow in Budapest to discuss the future economic and social development of the metal industry in South-Eastern Europe. The conference has been organised by the EMF in co-operation with the Hungarian metalworkers’ trade union “VASAS” and with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES).
EU Automotive Restructuring Forum
EMF engages in a Partnership with European car manufacturers and suppliers’ associations for better anticipation of change in the industry
Speaking today at the Automotive Restructuring Forum organised in Brussels by the European Commission, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary, welcomed the move by car manufacturers and automotive suppliers to work together with the trade unions with a view to better anticipate the changes taking place in the industry.
Strengthening workers and trade union rights worldwide in the steel company ArcelorMittal
The International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF) and the North American steelworkers’ trade union (USW) are the hosts of the world conference of ArcelorMittal employee representatives.
Shipyard workers protest in Brussels against the threatening closure of Gdansk shipyard
One hundred of Solidarność trade unionists from Gdansk shipyard set off on the long road from Gdansk to Brussels to protest against the threatening job cuts they face. A delegation of Polish trade unionists will handover a petition later this morning to representatives of the European Commission. They demand the withdrawal of the EU’s decision to close two of the three slipways. More than 1000 workers would be affected by this closure forcing them into unemployment.
Schneider Electric and the EMF sign a European agreement on "anticipation of change"
Rueil-Malmaison, 12 July 2007 – Schneider Electric and the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) have just signed a European agreement in respect of «anticipating change».
In order to maintain its competitiveness targets, Schneider Electric must demonstrate a high capacity for adapting to the permanent change which characterises the economic context within which it operates. This is a constant requirement and also means that Schneider Electric’s employees are an integral part of this process. «This is exactly why it was necessary to draw up a European collective agreement on the subject of « anticipating change » declared Jean-François Pilliard, Executive Vice President Strategic Resources and Organization.
Agreement text now available in English and French.
European Trade Unions mobilise with regard to Alcoa’s hostile bid for Alcan
On 21st June 2007, Alcan and Alcoa trade union and employee representatives from France, Spain, German, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland and the UK discussed the take-over bid and drew up a joint strategy under the auspices of the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) in Brussels.
European day of action at Nokia Siemens Networks
European day of action at Nokia Siemens Networks production sites to demand sustainable employment and proper employees’ consultation
Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) employees in Finland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Austria and the Netherlands are mobilising today, 12 June 2007, in reaction to the restructuring plan announced by the management of the newly-created company.
This European day of action, coordinated by the EMF, is justified by the fact that the company’s European operations are the hardest hit by the global restructuring plan.
EMF elects new President and re-elects General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary
EMF Congress - Lisbon 6th & 7th June 2007
The EMF Congress, attended by some 500 persons opened 6 June at Lisbon’s famous Expo Centre. Participants included nearly 400 EMF delegates from 68 affiliated organizations in 33 European countries and some 75 international and local guests and observers.
