In the words of the EMF General Secretary, Peter Scherrer, “We need a New European Deal for Steel and we need to raise policy-makers’ awareness that steel is an all-important sector of the European metalworking industry. We need all policy-makers, employers and trade unions on board to safeguard this industry”.

In the enclosed statement, the EMF highlights steel’s crucial role with regard to manufacturing industry and sustainable responses to climate change, as well as the crucial importance of maintaining the human capital and knowledge of the European steel sector.

EMF calls for urgent action setting out (full details in PDF below):

• 5 demands for governments: A common European framework on short-time working arrangements, a pro-active European Social and Employment Policy Agenda, a larger and better-coordinated economic stimulus package, action regarding EU trade rules and defence measures, and public funding for R&D;

• 5 demands for employers: Responsible behaviour towards their workforces, measures regarding wage compensation, a commitment regarding training and skills, clear industrial strategies in anticipation of economic recovery and a strong commitment to investment in R&D, innovation and employment.

The full impact of the downturn is now starting to bite into Europe’s steel-producing regions, with production levels falling by more than 50% in some companies. Hundreds of thousands of steelworkers are already impacted by the crisis, but the situation will worsen in the weeks to come as it begins to affect the core workforce and indirect jobs in the sector.

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PRESS 24/2009

The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.