Bosch Workers Demand EU Action to Protect Jobs Amid Auto Industry Shift

Labor representatives for German auto supplier Bosch are urging European Union policymakers to implement new regulations promoting local production, a move aimed at stemming significant job losses as the automotive industry undergoes a major transformation.

Call for 'Made in the EU' Rules

Frank Sell, who heads the general work’s council for Bosch’s Mobility unit, called for political action on Wednesday to protect the region's industrial base. Representing approximately 70,000 workers in Germany, Sell demanded "clear ’Made in the EU’ rules that give us the time we need to work together to become competitive."

"The transformation of our industry will only succeed if we keep value creation and jobs in Europe," Sell stated, according to a Reuters report. The demand highlights growing anxiety among workers over the future of European automotive manufacturing.

Industry-Wide Headwinds

The call for action comes as Bosch plans to cut 13,000 jobs in its core automotive division by the end of the decade. This is part of a broader wave of layoffs and restructuring across the German auto sector.

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Major carmakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, are facing a confluence of challenges that are pressuring suppliers like Bosch. These headwinds include:

• Intense competition from low-cost Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD and Chery.
• The threat of international tariffs.
• Persistently high production and energy costs in Europe.

Broader EU-China Trade Context

The demands from Bosch's workforce align with broader concerns at the EU level regarding its widening trade deficit with China. The European Commission is reportedly assessing potential trade measures to shield the local auto industry from a surge in Chinese imports.

According to the report, EU leaders are expected to discuss the bloc's trade relationship with China next month. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for European industrial policy and the competitive landscape for automakers and suppliers.