The Chemical and Basic Materials section of industriAll Europe covers mostly energy intensive industries and the following sectors: chemical, rubber, plastics, glass, paper, cement, non-coal mining, etc. The aftermath of the economic crisis, high or unstable energy prices and varying levels of demand for products made in Europe, continue taking their toll on employment in manufacturing across our continent. Although the chemical industry maintains itself facing of emerging economies (1.1 million direct jobs – 2.9 million indirect jobs1) and an ageing workforce, employment in other sectors remains under pressure.
Our objective is to assist affiliated trade unions to strengthen their concerted work and actions at national and European level in order to address industrial and social challenges efficiently. The role of this section is to build guidance and consensus around core of critical issues and policies in order to defend jobs and maintain the social acquis in these sectors.