German trade union calls for rapid implementation of steel commitments

Following the Steel Dialogue at the Federal Chancellery, Jürgen Kerner, Deputy Chair of the IG Metall trade union, urged the German government and industry to swiftly implement the agreed measures and take concrete responsibility for safeguarding steel production and employment in Germany. “We reached a common understanding today and made concrete commitments,” Kerner said after the meeting. “The problems of the steel industry are not solved overnight — but this summit marks a clear step forward.”

Kerner emphasized that the discussions sent a strong message: Germany and Europe need a strong steel industry with secure, well-paid jobs. “Chancellor Merz has made a clear commitment to preserving employment in the steel sector. Now, the government will go on the offensive to deliver.”

Stronger trade protection and lower energy costs

IG Metall welcomed the federal government’s announcement that it will push in Brussels for robust trade defence measures, including protective tariffs to shield the European steel industry from unfair competition.

Kerner also underlined the importance of competitive energy prices: “The industrial electricity price will take effect on January 1, 2026. The government will advocate in Brussels for combining this measure with the existing electricity price compensation — an important signal for energy-intensive industries like steel.”

Priority for European steel in procurement

On local content, the union secured a clear political commitment that European steel should be prioritized in public tenders and private procurement. “This makes a European local content approach possible,” Kerner said.

Shared responsibility for jobs and sites

Kerner stressed that companies now share responsibility for ensuring that public support and regulatory relief translate into investment and job security at domestic sites. “If companies are granted new flexibility and funding, they must also take responsibility for their plants and their workers,” he said. “We expect investments in local facilities — and plant closures must be off the table.”

Source: IG Metall, Photo: Fotolia