European trade unions condemn the ‘unjustified’ tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump and call for a smart response from the EU which protects European jobs and industries.
The 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium announced by Trump will have negative consequences for European workers and companies, as the US is the second largest market for EU steel makers.
Following the commitment made today by EU Commission President von der Leyen to protect workers, the Commission must work with unions to craft a response that will avoid putting any unintentional further pressure on jobs and companies, or cause further inflation.
As well as responding to the immediate threat, the priority must be the creation of a pro-active European industry policy supported by a permanent SURE-style investment mechanism. Thousands of workers demonstrated in Brussels last week to demand EU action to save our industries amid a crisis which has seen the announcement of 100,000 job cuts over the last few months at companies like Audi, Volkswagen, Thyssenkrupp, ArcelorMittal and Northvolt.
ETUC Deputy General Secretary Claes-Mikael Stahl said:
“There are no winners in trade wars. Together with our affiliates, we are studying the concrete consequences for European workers, but it is already clear that these unjustified tariffs will have negative repercussions for quality jobs and the most vulnerable in society.
“Tariffs are in effect a tax on imports. They will be paid for largely by US consumers and the many businesses that rely on steel and aluminium as an input. Even if they safeguard a few American steelmaking jobs in the short term, they will push up inflation and cause job losses for many more American workers.
“Going forward, the Commission must work with trade unions to craft a smart response to these tariffs that protects jobs, incomes and ensures this situation does not escalate. All of the burdens of any trade war will be felt by working people, which is why workers must be at the centre of the EU’s response to growing global uncertainty.
“That means finally putting in place a pro-active industrial policy backed up by the necessary investment and bringing forward a just transition directive so that no workers are left behind.”
