Germany energy trade union demands ‘more realism in climate policy’

Haltern, Germany (dpa) – The chairman of the German chemical and energy trade union IG BCE, Michael Vassiliadis, has demanded “more realism in climate and energy policy” from the government in Berlin.

The restructuring of Germany’s industrial society is “probably the largest and most risky venture since the founding of the federal republic,” Vassiliadis told journalists in the town of Haltern in the state of North Rhine Westphalia.

The looming changes to industry threaten to bring a loss of good jobs that could be greater than average compared to other areas, he said.

If the mega-project to revitalize the industry does not work simultaneously on a social, economic and ecological level, it could split society, Vassiliadis warned.

A general price for carbon dioxide emissions could trigger a violent process of social redistribution. If this happens, “the yellow vests in this country will likely sell out quickly,” the union leader said, alluding to the protest movement in France against the policies of French President Emmanuel Macron.