On November 19, trade unions from the Eastern Region came together in Poznań, Poland ahead industriAll Europe’s Executive Committee meeting. Following a detailed exchange, focused on industry and workplace specific challenges across the region, union leaders unanimously adopted of a “Call to Act” designed to safeguard European industry and quality employment.

The Call to Act addresses the major pressures on European industry: high energy costs, global competition and the need for a socially-fair green transition. It is addressed to governments in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary; to EU policymakers; and to employers. 

The document is structured around four principal chapters:

  1. Urgently adopt proactive Industrial Policy
    Current policies risk undermining Europe’s industrial future. The Call demands a realistic, technologically-feasible and socially-just decarbonisation roadmap — one that ensures climate goals do not drive industrial decline.
  2.  Advance Social Europe
    Following the recent European Court of Justice ruling on adequate minimum wages, the unions call for stronger collective bargaining and fair wages. Justice and dignity for workers must be framed as economic strength, not burdensome cost.
  3.  Protect Strategic Sectors
    Key industries — steel, automotive, chemical, glass and textile — are on the brink of collapse. Immediate intervention is required to prevent mass closures and protect thousands of jobs across Europe.
  4.  Implement Concrete Measures The Call urges:
o    Affordable energy solutions to restore competitiveness

o    Reform of the EU ETS system for energy-intensive industries

o    Correct implementation of the CBAM mechanism

o    Emergency action to stabilise energy markets


Isabelle Barthès, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe, said:

“Industrial jobs are the backbone of Europe’s prosperity and social stability, and the Eastern Region plays a vital role in supplying key sectors such as steel, automotive and chemicals. This region is not only an industrial powerhouse but also a strategic pillar for the entire European economy. Today these jobs are under unprecedented pressure from volatile energy costs, global competition and an unbalanced green transition. We cannot afford to wait — every day of inaction brings us closer to plant closures, job losses and regional decline. Europe must act decisively and urgently to protect its industrial base, ensure affordable energy and deliver a fair transition that leaves no worker behind. This is about safeguarding the dignity of millions of workers and securing the future of our continent.”