European trade union co-ordination on EADS future development
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) EADS Co-ordination Group met today under EMF auspices to discuss the current situation and a European strategy to secure the future of EADS. The EMF convened its EADS Co-ordination Group following the recent warning by Airbus of possible “painful job losses”. Severe industrial and financial problems will be faced by the manufacturer and its parent company EADS as a result of repeated delays to the new A380 ‘superjumbo’. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 representatives from 16 EMF member organisations involved in EADS in Germany, Spain, France, the UK and the Netherlands and Belgium.
The uncertainty about the possible content of the announced restructuring programme “Power 8” was the subject of serious concern to all the trade union representatives. It was clear that workers’ representatives wanted to know exactly what management was planning to overcome the current crisis. “The fact that management has said that the work on the content of Power 8 will take several months leads to much uncertainty and worry among employees about their future, and this is irresponsible” stated Peter Scherrer, the EMF General Secretary.
There was a clear commitment to a European approach and solidarity among the workers from all the trade unionists present. They will not allow one plant to be played off against another. The European trade unions will not accept any closures of sites and subsequent massive job losses. The trade unions will fight for the existence of quality employment. There was particular concern about the fact that the European company was starting to lay off thousands of temporary workers. The company management was also putting massive pressure on supplier companies, where employees are equally affected by the crisis since these companies are often completely dependent upon Airbus.
Describing the future work of the EADS Co-ordination Group, Peter Scherrer stated that “The next step for the EMF, together with its member organisations, will be to develop a trade union platform for the future debate with management. We will confront the management of a European company with European ideas and demands for solving a European problem” said Peter Scherrer.
_____________
PRESS 26/2006
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
