21 October, 2010In advance of the publication of the European Commission's new industrial policy agenda, European trade union federations representing manufacturing workers came together to call for a strong industrial policy capable of underpinning Europe's industrial fabric.
EUROPE: The global economic crisis since fall of 2008 has had a serious impact on manufacturing industries and employment in Europe. At an industrial policy conference held on October 18 and 19, 2010, three European trade union federations confirmed that Europe needs a strong industrial base by implementing policies on sustainable development, to protect over 40 million workers in European manufacturing industries.
"Industry remains vitally important for a successful European economy to create jobs, to boost productivity, to fuel innovation and to raise social standards. Industrial policy must try to anticipate and manage change in a socially responsible way, with adequate financial and regulatory tools", stated the European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF), European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers' Federation (EMCEF) and European Trade Union Federation of Textiles, Clothing and Leather (ETUF:TCL).
The three industrial federations outlined six principles for a strong and credible European industrial policy capable of tackling the challenges of the aftermath of the economic crisis, climate change and intensifying globalization pressures:
- A strong social dimension to industrial policies
- Growth-oriented macroeconomic and wage policies
- A concrete industrial investment agenda
- A fair transformation towards an energy- and resource-efficient industrial model
- An effective European energy policy
- A fair level-playing field internationally
In light of the COP 16 negotiations in Cancun, the three federations have called for measures to ensure a level playing field (including border adjustment mechanisms). In the absence of such conditions, the European Union should review its proposal to unilaterally increase its own emissions reductions target from -20% to -30%.
For further information and details, please visit EMF site at: http://www.emf-fem.org/Areas-of-work/Industrial-Policy/What-future-for-European-manufacturing-workers