Deindustrialisation

Germany’s largest union, IG Metall, whose members work predominantly in manufacturing, has joined with the metalworking employers’ association Gesamtmetall to express its fears that the country’s position as a location for manufacturing is in danger.

The union and the employers are calling on the government to act to improve Germany’s infrastructure and to reduce energy costs.

The joint statement, issued last month, argues that deindustrialisation will lead to social division and increasing political radicalisation.