Feds Up in Arms Over BSH Domestic Appliances Closing Spanish Factory, Laying Off 650 Workers
Strategies for EU to tackle businesses shifting manufacturing overseas
Here's another union-busting, job-killing move by a multinational corporation, this time it's the German BSH Domestic Appliances group, the ones behind Siemens and Bosch brands, pulling one of their factories in Esquíroz, north Spain, off the map.
The factory in question employed over 650 locals, but thanks to the greed of these corporate vultures, all those jobs are now at risk of going to Poland or Turkey.
"This factory was sustainable, it provided services to Europe and even Spain, with 80% of the products made here being sold in Spain," said Spanish MEP Estrella Galán. "But now they've decided to shut it down due to relocation."
This isn't an isolated instance of corporate treachery. Audi, Volkswagen, and ArcelorMittal are all undergoing relocations as well. If we don't get our act together, the EU might turn into just another sweatshop club.
MEPs are suggesting several measures to counter the ongoing deindustrialization and wouldn't it be swell if the European Parliament took action:
- Modernize Labor Laws: Galán calls for revising the 25-year-old European directive on collective redundancies, bringing it in line with the modern labor market[2]. This could help mitigate the consequences of factory closures by providing clearer guidelines for companies and workers.
- Streamline Regulations: Simplify the regulatory framework to support production, innovation, and competitiveness within Europe. This could encourage companies to keep their operations in the EU rather than fleeing to regions with lower labor costs and less bureaucratic interference[2].
- Boost Strategic Autonomy: Address the lack of strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on foreign materials and technologies within the EU[1][2]. This is crucial for maintaining industrial activities within Europe's borders.
- Promote Re-Industrialization: Encourage investment and innovation in the manufacturing sector by using EU funds to support industries at risk of relocation[1][5].
- Square Away Geopolitical Challenges: Address underlying issues such as high energy prices and economic instability to make Europe more competitive on the global stage[1][2].
Related
- Trump Readies Unilateral Tariffs in Coming Weeks
- EU Takes Aim at Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Over Tax Provisions in Tariff Talks
Be sure to read more about the EU Parliament's fight against corporate relocation and the impact on our local communities:
- EU targets Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' over tax provision in tariff talks
- Debate on minors' access to social media networks begins with three EU countries
- Poland's PM Donald Tusk survives parliamentary confidence vote
Keywords
- Corporate Relocation
- Spain
- EU Parliament
- European Union
- Jobs
- Economy
In light of the BSH Domestic Appliances' decision to close its Spanish factory and potentially relocate 650 jobs, discussions within the EU Parliament are focusing on measures to counter corporate relocation. These measures include modernizing labor laws, streamlining regulations, boosting strategic autonomy, promoting re-industrialization, and addressing geopolitical challenges to make Europe more competitive in the global market. Meanwhile, the EU is also addressing trade-related issues with the United States, such as Trump's unilateral tariffs.
