Overview

• A survey of 4,500 members of the IGBCE union reveals widespread pessimism about the future of Germany's industrial sector, with nearly 80% expecting its global competitiveness to decline within five years.
• Union leader Michael Vassiliadis describes the situation as 'dramatic,' citing investment outflows, cost pressures, and capacity reductions as major threats to jobs and economic stability.
• Over two-thirds of respondents doubt that Germany can achieve both climate-friendly transformation and industrial modernization within the next five years.
• The IGBCE is calling for a comprehensive investment and modernization strategy, including a cross-party agreement to reform Germany's debt brake to fund necessary changes.
• Union leaders emphasize the importance of addressing social equity in the transition process to prevent societal divisions and potential conflicts.