’Steel workers across Europe have come together to stand in solidarity with their comrades at ISD Dunaferr. We will continue to call for action at both national and European level to protect thousands of jobs linked to the steel plant, and we insist that trade unions and workers’ rights must be respected.‘’

Hungarian workers at the ISD Dunaferr steel plant are facing an uncertain future with the company functioning outside national legal regulations. Furthermore, a critical shortage of raw materials and the ongoing energy crisis is threatening the closure of the second blast furnace, which would stop production. With 4,000 jobs at stake, the closure of the plant would be catastrophic for the citizens of Dunaujváros. 

The energy and raw material crises are impacting the entire European steel sector and industriAll Europe insists that in times of crisis, quality social dialogue is vital. This however remains impossible at ISD Dunaferr, with the company deciding unilaterally to suspend the valid collective agreement in 2020 and trade unions being denied access to the site even after winning a lawsuit to ensure access. This terrible treatment of trade union representatives at ISD Dunaferr is not new, and industriAll Europe has previously reported on the unjustified dismissals of trade union representatives there. 

Judith Kirton-Darling, Deputy General Secretary at industriAll Europe said: 

“Workers at ISD Dunaferr are facing an uncertain future and trade unions need access to the site and relevant information now! Clearly the company is not functioning, and we expect the Hungarian Government to step in immediately. The entire town is reliant on the site, and we will not accept its closure, especially when workers are themselves facing the energy and cost of living crises.’’

IndustriAll Europe has written to the EU Commissioners for industry and employment, asking for an urgent EU investigation, noting the strategic nature of the European steel sector amid reports that the second blast furnace may be closed. The letter also highlights the lack of respect to EU workers’ rights to information and consultation. A further letter has been sent to the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU, asking for immediate intervention. 

Judith Kirton-Darling, added:

‘’Steel workers across Europe have come together to stand in solidarity with their comrades at ISD Dunaferr. We will continue to call for action at both national and European level to protect thousands of jobs linked to the steel plant, and we insist that trade unions and workers’ rights must be respected.‘’

IndustriAll Europe’s letter to the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU: EN