Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall: “The write-offs of almost one billion euros in the satellite business communicated by Airbus raise many questions. How could this have happened? Where exactly did the losses come from? Why were the negative developments not recognized early on?
In addition to complete transparency and open discussions with employee representatives, IG Metall expects Airbus to act with a sense of proportion when taking countermeasures. Applying the red pencil across the board now and ruining future programs or even risking a loss of skills through job cuts could have significantly more negative effects for Airbus in the medium term. IG Metall stands by the employees at all space locations.
Space travel is also a highly politically explosive issue. The new German space strategy was decided less than a year ago at the end of September 2023. Accordingly, space-based infrastructures are increasingly seen as part of the critical infrastructure. Germany and Europe need their own competencies in the relevant areas that affect sovereignty, for example the ability to put satellites into space, according to the space strategy. Airbus boss Guillaume Faury is well advised to seek talks with the federal government as soon as possible. There are certainly clear expectations of him there. IG Metall will definitely discuss the situation of space travel in Germany with the government.”