The IG Metall is currently in negotiations with Thyssenkrupp regarding the closure of thousands of steel jobs. Christiane Benner, the head of the IG Metall, stated in an interview with the “Rheinischen Post” that they will find a solution that is socially acceptable and enables the production of green steel in NRW. She also emphasized that the employees are ready for a fight and that there should be no layoffs or plant closures. Thyssenkrupp’s CEO, Miguel López, announced in November 2024 that they plan to close 11,000 of their 26,000 steel jobs, with 5,000 being eliminated. Initially, the IG Metall rejected any negotiations. Benner called for the immediate implementation of an industrial electricity price for the entire industry, emphasizing the need to promote the path to carbon-neutral steel production, including smaller foundries and foundry businesses. She commended the coalition for planning an industrial electricity price but stressed that details need to be clarified and implementation must be expedited.
IG Metall Optimistic with Thyssenkrupp
