Conclusions of the EMF China seminar
China and the EU “Research on the future of European metal industries -
steel, automotive and shipbuilding”
Over 100 participants from all over Europe took part in an EMF seminar on 6th and 7th November 2006 in Elewijt (Belgium) marking the close of the EMF China project. The purpose of the project was to arrive at a common assessment of China's economic future and its consequences for Europe based on the situation in three metal sectors: steel, shipbuilding and automotive.
Trade union representatives, research workers, consultancies, European employers’ associations and representatives of the European Commission looked at the extraordinary growth rates of China in recent years. Although the growth in the Chinese economy posed a threat to European industry and employment in Europe, it also represented tremendous opportunities. The seminar thus debated how to react to the challenges arising for Europe, and especially European manufacturing industry, within a
globalised economy, faced with the dominance of China.
The EMF General Secretary, Peter Scherrer, set out the main conclusions of the seminar:
- The need for Europe to be a front runner as regards technology and innovation and to foster R&D in order to be able to maintain manufacturing industry and jobs in Europe
- The need for binding regulations for fair trade worldwide
- The need for binding minimum standards in respect of both trade union and labour rights worldwide – Here the EMF welcomed the improvements already made to the labour code in China
- The need for worldwide respect for environmental standards and protection of energy resources, natural resources and limited raw materials
- The need for continued cooperation between trade unions at European and global level, as launched by the EMF and IMF China Groups, in order to bring influence to bear on multinational companies operating in China.
The EMF study entitled:
“European industries shaken up by industrial growth in China: What regulations are required for a sustainable economy?” is available on the
EMF website
.
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PRESS 28/2006
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.
For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary
Caroline Jacobsson
, EMF China policies
