Affiliated to European Confederation of Managerial Staff (CEC)

Press release

FECCIA Steering Committee, 25 September 2004, London

The Steering Committee of FECCIA, that regroups Managerial and Professional Staff of the Chemical Industry in Europe, met in London on 25 September 2004.

The examination of the situation of the European Chemistry has shown difficulties linked to the rising of the price of oil, main raw material and source of energy of the sector. Base Chemicals is also confronted with the increasing power of China and Asian Countries and loses market shares, what entails restructurings and job losses, in practically all sectors.

These job losses will be worsened by the installation of the regulation REACH, because the European Commission under-estimates the impact beside end-users and SME. The obligation for producers to test and control all products put to disposition of manufacturers as raw materials will oblige them to increase the price beside the user. It will be more interesting for these last to stop their production in Europe and to transfer it in a country where the regulation is less expensive. The final consumer will see only the difference of price, because the final product will be the even, without harmful effect on health and environment, as in the case of clothes, for example.  No benefit will have been obtained.

FECCIA considers that research and innovation in new products have to be encouraged in Europe. It condemns brain drain and escape of research laboratories.

FECCIA welcomes with interest the common position of ECEG and EMCEF on the theme "Education, Vocational Training and Lifelong Learning in European chemical industry ".

FECCIA will contribute to the competence and qualification development by making share the experience of its national members in this area and beside its European partners. Indeed, Managers have qualities of training that European and national partners have to recognize and encourage. The Strategy of Lisbon approved by the European Commission places European Executive and Professional Staff in the heart of this strategy.

FECCIA asks a greatest opening of the European social dialogue in the sector of the Chemistry, on side of employers (ECEG) as well as employees (EMCEF). It will commit actions in this way in all countries of the European Union.