The Iron and Steel Industry in Germany (W.) between 1974 and 1990 with Special Regard to the Saarland

Between 1974 and 1990 the number of persons employed in the German iron and steel industry was nearly halved due to the steel crisis. The regions mainly affected were the Ruhr region and the Saarland where this industry is concentrated. The steel crisis created many economic and social problems in these regions especially above average unemployment rates. Therefore attempts were made to rescue the steel plants (also by governmental subsidies) and to find socially acceptable solutions for the redundant employees. On the other hand substantial structural changes have taken place in these regions which will continue in coming years since there are no signs that the process of employment reduction in the steel industry has come to an end.