United Steelworkers and German IGBCE Issue Clarion Call for a New Industrial Compact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pittsburgh, PA / Hannover, Germany – The United Steelworkers (USW) and the German Industrial Union of Mining, Chemical, and Energy Workers (IGBCE) today issued a bold call to action, calling on policymakers and industries on both sides of the Atlantic to eschew short-term thinking and instead institute a worker-centered agenda that will ensure widespread prosperity well into the 21st century.

“Workers and their communities must be at the center of the global economy that is now too often driven by profit alone,” said USW International President David McCall. “Workers all over the world have far more in common with each other than they do with the billionaire class, and we cannot allow greedy corporations to drag us into a race to the bottom on wages and working conditions. Together, we need an ambitious, worker-centered agenda that protects good jobs, strengthens our industries, and invests in the skills, technologies, and infrastructure we need to compete well into the future.”

In a joint letter signed by McCall and IGBCE President Michael Vassiliadis, the unions outlined a shared transatlantic action plan, emphasizing the need for:

• Reliable, long-term industrial policy that promotes stable investments and union jobs.
• Massive public and private investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
• Fair trade rules that target unfair practices abroad – with a particular focus on addressing nonmarket economic competition.
• Stronger cross-border cooperation between unions and works councils to promote democratic participation and raise labor standards globally.

“Global supply chains are the arteries of industrial prosperity – but they must be built on fairness, not exploitation,” said Michael Vassiliadis. “Our economies are deeply interconnected, and we must strengthen those ties with a new focus on high labor standards, fair trade, and democratic participation. This is not about protectionism – it’s about building resilient, sustainable industries that respect workers’ rights and ensure that no one is left behind. Together, the USW and IGBCE are committed to shaping an industrial future where strong partnerships across borders support secure jobs, fair wages, and a just transition for all.”

The unions warned that without a coordinated, worker-centered approach, Western industrial nations risk falling behind in the global race for clean technologies, critical raw materials, and manufacturing leadership. Meanwhile, workers in the United States, Europe, and Canada face the twin threats of underinvestment and rising global competition – often without the protections and opportunities they need to thrive.

“This is a global fight for fairness, dignity, and a sound future for all, not just the wealthy few,” McCall said. “Workers are ready and willing to do our part – and we expect policymakers and industry leaders to do the same.” The full Clarion Call for a New Worker-Centered Economic Agenda and joint letter from David McCall and Michael Vassiliadis can be found here.

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