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Metaller on October 29, 2021 in front of the Bundestag
Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP
Tens of thousands of employees in the metal industry and other sectors demonstrated nationwide on Friday for a fair, socio-ecological change in industry.
They all followed the call to "increase the pressure on politicians and employers to invest now resolutely in sustainable jobs in a climate-neutral industry," said IG Metall.
She spoke of 50,000 participants.
The rallies and campaigns in over 50 cities were under the motto »fair change«. "Vague programs and lip service do not spark any new beginnings or progress," said union leader Jörg Hofmann in Berlin. "We demand clear employment and investment commitments." In the capital, the demonstrators passed the Bundestag, among other places.
It is important to look at sustainable economic activity and a strong social cohesion in society together, Hofmann said.
Climate targets would have to be adhered to, employment secured and the industrial location strengthened.
For example, there should be no layoffs during the transformation and investments must be made in the qualification of employees.
"By 2030, public future investments amounting to 500 billion euros will be needed," demanded IG Metall.
The aim of the demos: pressure on the traffic lights
Hofmann also told the TV broadcaster “Welt” that if there was an exit from coal, for example, it would have to be checked as early as 2030 to see whether enough new jobs had already been created in the mining areas and whether enough electricity was available.
"That's why I'm not a fan of fixed dates." Rather, politics should be based on reality.
With the day of action, IG Metall wanted to interfere in the ongoing coalition negotiations between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP about the formation of a traffic light government.
IG Metall not only represents employees in the metal and electrical industry, but also from the steel, textile and craft sectors.
The union received support from the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and the Mining, Chemical and Energy Industrial Union (IG BCE), among others.
The SPD and the left also showed solidarity with the protests.
IG-BCE chairman Michael Vassiliadis said it was “right to expect industry to become more sustainable and climate neutral”.
“However, sustainable industrial policy then has to ensure that the locations here have a future and can also change here.” That requires “smart regulation”.
beb / AFP