IG Metall Workers’ Union Protest II: Protest Bell

About the sound

In September 2017 the Thyssenkrupp AG announced their plans for a fusion with the Indian steel cooperation Tata. The employees, the works council and the workers’ union IG Metall feared that Thyssenkrupp would close further steel works in Germany and dismiss employees. As a result, 7000 metal workers from all over Germany joined for a protest march and rally against the fusion of the two steel companies in Bochum.
The protest was accompanied by a large bell that has often been rung on metal workers’ protests in the Ruhr area. The bell was made in 1854 by the bell foundry of the Bochumer Verein für Gußstahlfabrikation AG. When used on protests it is rung by a furnace worker clad in the classical protective suit and helmet.

Sound: Konrad Gutkowski
Foto: Kathinka Engels