Suche
Mein Konto
Protest in the Bremen steelworks: the future of the employees is in jeopardy!
IG Metall and the Bremen Senate criticize the halt to decarbonization at the Bremen steelworks. Protests and fears for the future are growing.
Protest in the Bremen steelworks: the future of the employees is in jeopardy!
The arches of worry rumble in Bremen. On June 24, 2025, IG Metall called for a rally to protest against ArcelorMittal's decision to put plans for a climate-friendly conversion of the Bremen steelworks on hold. Around 2,000 people gathered to loudly support calls for a sustainable future for the plant. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD) did not miss the opportunity to express his solidarity with the demonstrating workers and emphasize the importance of decarbonization. “We need a clear future plan for Bremen,” he demanded.
ArcelorMittal's decision represents a serious threat to the future of the Bremen plant, as the planned switch to CO2-reduced steel production will no longer be pursued. In particular, works council chairman Mike Böhlken expressed concern that the picture of the future was fading and there was uncertainty. “We want to create a new perspective in order to gain confidence in the future,” says Böhlken. There is a clear need for action here.
Economic reasons and government support
The criticism regarding the stop of environmentally friendly steel production relates to the market situation and the lack of economic viability. IG Metall and the works council emphasize that the company's credibility has been undermined and they had previously worked with the Bremen Senate to put together a transformation plan after billions of euros in government funding were made available for the industrial conversion. In fact, ArcelorMittal was given the opportunity to receive 1.3 billion euros for the steelworks in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt. But the company has not yet made use of this money and has disappointedly rejected the Senate's support of 250 million euros for the renovation.
Bovenschulte and union leader Ute Buggeln are demanding that the federal government make steel production a top priority. Buggeln also calls for a comprehensive debate in the form of a steel summit, which SPD leader Lars Klingbeil also agrees to. He emphasizes that the green conversion of the two plants in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt has stalled, while the situation in Eisenhüttenstadt is considered less threatening.
The future of the steel industry in focus
What next for the steel industry in Germany? At the rally it became clear that many people present were expecting answers to the medium and long-term development of the Bremen steelworks, especially with regard to the expansion of renewable energies. IG Metall and its employees see themselves in a precarious situation without a clear announcement about switching to more sustainable production methods.
The situation in the steel industry could also determine the future prospects for the more than 3,000 employees and around 5,000 other jobs that directly depend on the plant. While the federal and state governments are working with the unions on solutions, it remains to be seen what steps ArcelorMittal will take to take the concerns of employees seriously and offer new perspectives.
The developments in Bremen are not only important for the region, but also set standards for the entire industry with regard to climate protection and jobs. The pressure is increasing and the demands for a viable future model are becoming louder and louder. We can only hope that everyone involved will pull together and Germany can maintain its place as a leading industrial location.
buten un reported within that…