Conversation with Sören Link, the OB of IGBCE, in the Niederrhein district
Duisburg and IG BCE Unite to Secure City's Industrial Future
In a significant meeting held on August 6, 2025, Mayor Sören Link of Duisburg and representatives from the IG BCE District Niederrhein gathered to discuss the city's industrial future, workforce training, and quality of life in local neighbourhoods.
Industrial Future and Job Security
The discussion centred around ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Duisburg’s industrial sector, with a focus on preserving existing jobs and creating new employment opportunities. The IG BCE emphasised the importance of a managed industrial transition that does not leave employees behind.
Workforce Training and Qualification
Addressing the need for skilled labour, the parties agreed on the necessity of enhanced vocational training and continuous education to meet the demands of evolving industries such as steel production and chemicals. The IG BCE stressed the urgent need to invest in the quality and attractiveness of dual training.
Neighborhood Quality of Life
Improving living conditions in industrial and adjacent residential neighbourhoods was another key concern. Solutions discussed included environmental protection, pollution reduction, and infrastructure development. The IG BCE also highlighted the importance of a safe and clean living environment, especially in neighbourhoods with social challenges.
Solutions Discussed
Collaboration between local government and industry representatives was key to supporting modernization efforts, investment incentives, and innovation in key sectors to secure Duisburg’s position as an industrial hub. Enhanced vocational training programs tailored to current and future industry needs were also discussed, in cooperation with companies and educational institutions. Neighborhood development measures aimed at environmental improvements, better public services, and infrastructure upgrades were also proposed to enhance residents’ quality of life and foster sustainable community development.
Youth Perspective
A youth representative demanded concrete measures, not empty promises, to secure a perspective for young people in training in Duisburg. Another central topic was the situation of young people in training, with concerns raised about broken sidewalks during fiber optic construction and their impact on the living feeling in neighbourhoods.
Future Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a message of politics and labor unions working more closely together to ensure Duisburg’s future, social justice, and livability. Mayor Sören Link expressed gratitude for the engagement of Duisburg's people and promised to carry forward the discussed topics and continue the dialogue. The district leader of the IG BCE thanked the Duisburg local groups for making the exchange possible.
The conversation was marked by openness, factuality, and the shared goal of sustainably strengthening Duisburg as an industrial and living location. The IG BCE sees not only companies but also the city as responsible for the industrial transition and supporting young people.
In the pursuit of a competitive industrial sector, the discussion highlighted the importance of a managed transition in Duisburg, ensuring job security and creating new opportunities. The collaboration between the local government and IG BCE aims to strengthen Duisburg's position as an industrial hub by promoting modernization, investment, and innovation. To ensure the attractiveness of vocational training, there is a need to invest in the quality of education, catering to the evolving needs of the industries such as steel production and chemicals. For a sustainable community development, measures relating to environmental improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and public services are proposed to enhance residents' quality of life. The ongoing dialogue will involve cooperation with companies, educational institutions, and young people, to address their concerns and secure a promising future for all.
