As Europe’s industrial crisis deepens, industrial workers across the continent mobilised on 5 February to demand urgent political action to stop deindustrialisation, protect jobs and secure Europe’s industrial future.

With jobs disappearing and factories closing, trade unions warn that political responses remain too slow and fragmented. Ahead of the informal European Council meeting on the 12 February where the future direction of European industry will be discussed, trade unions took action in Brussels and in their home countries to raise the alarm.

Affiliates from across Europe organised meetings and events, and mobilised members to engage directly with decision-makers. Trade union representatives met with Members of the European Parliament to underline the urgency of the situation and press for a real industrial strategy. In Ostrava, affiliates from the eastern region organised a large scale demonstration with over 500 people, sending a strong and visible message of solidarity and determination.

The mobilisation was supported by European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, who sent a letter of support acknowledging the concerns raised by industrial workers and their unions.

European trade unions united in industriAll Europe are calling for urgent action based on investment, job protection, affordable clean energy and a just transition. Without decisive political leadership, they warn, Europe risks accelerated deindustrialisation and the loss of millions of good industrial jobs.

The message from workers is clear: the time to act is now.

Photos of the action day here

After movie of the action day here