Frankfurt am Main-The European unions IG Metall from Germany, Pro-GE from Austria and Unia from Switzerland are in favor of a European answer to the current economic and political challenges. Switzerland and the EU should work more closely here.
It takes an increased focus on European production, with clear criteria for creating and securing jobs. Local Content regulations that commit companies to local production and compliance with social and environmental standards are the right way to expand industrial strengths from the unions. Key technologies such as semiconductor industry and circular economy have to be the focus in order to strengthen the targeted expansion of European resources. These are central building blocks to secure added value in Europe and create new jobs. Commonly determined action in the areas of energy, infrastructure and raw material security is necessary to strengthen the production location of Europe. According to the employee representatives, this is not only a question of economic strength, but also a basic prerequisite for an independent, resilient Europe and returns the employees to trust and security.
The leaders of the three European unions were determined to further force the cooperation across borders:
Christiane Benner, the first chairwoman of IG Metall, made it clear: “A lot of Europe may not only be visits to international parquet, but it must also be everyday in the working life of the employees. Clear appointments and obligations for a common industrial policy that strengthen and encourage local production are overdue!”
Reinhold Binder, Federal Chairman of the Pro-GE union, said: “For us, a common industrial policy means: securing production sites, creating jobs and guaranteeing fair wages-and that across borders.”
Yves Defferrard, a member of the board of the Unia, emphasized: “For Switzerland, an industrial policy coordinated with other countries is more necessary than ever, in particular in view of the tariffs raised by the USA in the amount of 39 % and the associated potential risks for jobs and working conditions. Our three organizations are together to cope with these difficult times and also to ensure industrial and energy independence.”
Strong industrial structures need strong employees. Missing specialists inhibit economic growth and reduce innovative strength. Specialists are the key to improving competitiveness. Investments in training and further education, in childcare structures for children, in successful integration into the labor market, the prerequisites for good skilled workers are.
Without a strong welfare state, however, the European position is significantly weakened, an unacceptable risk. The three unions of the DACH region are therefore clearly positioned against the intensified attacks on employee rights and welfare state achievements, also under the guise of the supposed bureaucracy degradation. The debates on maternity leave, during maximum working hours or for social security show how the unions clarify together: “Regardless of whether Germany, Austria or Switzerland – in economically challenging times, politics and business are down, against employees and the welfare state, instead of finding real solutions everywhere: We do not work and do too little, but take too much!”