Based on the Paris Agreement, the European Union has set itself ambitious climate targets and has resolved to become climate-neutral by 2050.
In order to implement this plan, huge investments are needed not only in the energy infrastructure, but also in the expansion of energy generation from renewable sources. Wind energy has a central role to play here.
Around 300,000 people across Europe currently work in the wind industry and related sectors. It is therefore an important social factor with good industrial jobs in production, administration, research and development and service. It also ensures that Europe is in control of its own destiny in uncertain times and does not become dependent on third parties.
However, representatives of the European employees of Siemens Energy and industriAll Europe are increasingly concerned that the European wind industry is facing aggressive competition from Chinese manufacturers. This means that not only good jobs in the wind power industry are at stake, but also the just climate transition as a whole and a secure, continuous, stable supply of clean and quality energy in the long term.
The EU Commission must now take countermeasures with targeted industrial policy measures such as other countries, like the US and China have already done. The employee representatives are calling for the swift implementation of the European Net Zero Industry Act to protect European labor standards.
Nadine Florian, Chairwoman of the European Works Council, emphasizes: “We have great colleagues who do outstanding work. Over 27,000 employees work at Siemens Gamesa alone. These are our friends, our colleagues. They feed families and secure Europe’s energy supply. But no matter how hard we try against unfair competitors, without a level playing field we run the risk of losing out. We expect politicians to stand up for us, the entire wind value chain and for our jobs.”
Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary industriAll Europe, emphasizes, “With the Green Deal, the EU Commission is making a commitment that social security for the people affected will always be taken into account in this change. We need a “just transition” and this also includes
secure, stable and quality jobs. We expect the Commission to promote good and safe industrial jobs in Europe“