“I am here for my future,” says 16-year-old Demi Koekebier. Last September she started at the Academy, where she learns to build control cabinets and how traffic lights work for a salary of 1200 euros per month.
Child of the IJmond
As the only girl in her grade, she is determined: her future lies with Tata. Just like her father, uncles and grandfather. “Tata is a good employer, with a good salary and career opportunities.”
The Beverwijk MEP Brigitte van den Berg intervenes with the group of students. “Selfie?” she asks.
Tata Steel is the hobby horse of the D66 politician, including industry in her portfolio. As a ‘Child of the IJmond’ she is committed to the European Union for Green Steel. “If we want green steel, we have to act now,” she says determined. She is happy with the turnout, which she thinks shows how important cooperation is in Europe. In addition, she emphasizes the strategic location of Tata as essential for the future of green steel in the IJmond.
After a few hours, the students in particular think it will be ‘beautiful’ again. The demonstrators return to the bus in a yellow-blue procession. When they get in, they get a packed lunch. Back home, back to Tata.
Just past Badhoevedorp sounds ‘We Are The Champions’ by Queen from a speaker brought. One of the initiators turns to the group once more. He especially thanks the students for their presence. “It’s your future, and that’s what we do it for.”