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Thousands of German Steelworkers Take to the Streets, Protesting Imports, Potential Consolidation
04/11/2016 - Thousands of German steelworkers staged nationwide protests Monday, demanding more action against Chinese imports -- and a seat at the table in any discussions about possible industry consolidation.
Approximately 45,000 workers participated in the protests organized by IG Metall, Germany’s engineering union, according to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.
According to Deutsche Welle, Gunter Back, the head of the central works council at thyssenkrupp, said labor must be included in any discussions about potential consolidation.
"We are not prepared to be bystanders if you are in your back rooms making plans for us," Back told protesters during a rally.
The steelmaker has been having discussions with India’s Tata Steel about somehow combining their operations in Europe. Workers fear their jobs could be at risk, much like in the United Kingdom, from which Tata is looking to exit, the Reuters news agency reported.
"We know that our top-paid managers are engaged in a kind of secret diplomacy and are forging plans for consolidation," Back said, according to Reuters. "We are not prepared to be bystanders."
According to Deutsche Welle, Gunter Back, the head of the central works council at thyssenkrupp, said labor must be included in any discussions about potential consolidation.
"We are not prepared to be bystanders if you are in your back rooms making plans for us," Back told protesters during a rally.
The steelmaker has been having discussions with India’s Tata Steel about somehow combining their operations in Europe. Workers fear their jobs could be at risk, much like in the United Kingdom, from which Tata is looking to exit, the Reuters news agency reported.
"We know that our top-paid managers are engaged in a kind of secret diplomacy and are forging plans for consolidation," Back said, according to Reuters. "We are not prepared to be bystanders."
