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Resistance to Attempts at Drastic Cuts Auto industry workers issue a warning

Employees at VW, Mercedes-Benz, and other automakers and suppliers are giving their corporate bosses a rough fall. They will no longer allow themselves to be made scapegoats when management mistakes are the cause of the crisis. A nationwide day of action is scheduled for September 21.

7 September 2026

Redistribution Making Germany more equitable: We need this tax reform now

Is Germany a fair country? Many people say: no! Tax policy is the key lever for greater social justice. We should use this lever—and we should do so quickly and in several areas.

4 September 2026

"It’s worth fighting for!" Kelvion workers strike for a social collective bargaining agreement

Kelvion plans to relocate its profitable heat exchanger production in Wilchwitz (Thuringia) to the west. After nearly four weeks on strike, employees and IG Metall have reached a collective bargaining agreement that includes generous severance packages. A new investor intends to take over at least part of the operation.

4 September 2026

Welfare State September 26: Nationwide Day of Action for Social Policy

Working longer, smaller pensions, cuts to long-term care: The attack on the welfare state is growing ever more intense. On September 26, metalworkers will stand up against it. As part of the “Hart verdient” day of action, they will take to the streets in 15 German cities.

1 September 2026

Working Hours Why working longer doesn’t help—and actually does more harm than good

The German metal and electrical industry is in crisis and cutting jobs. Employers are demanding that we work longer hours again—preferably without pay—and that the 35-hour workweek be abolished, claiming that this would solve everything. But will that really make a difference?

31 August 2026

2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors Greater Flexibility in the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen

Workers in the metalworking and agricultural machinery sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen can look forward to a 2.5 percent pay raise and the option to convert pay into time off.

25 August 2026

2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Electrical Trades Wage Increase in the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg

Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg: Wages will increase in two stages starting January 1, 2027. Apprentice wages will also be raised in two stages.

25 August 2026

2026 Collective Bargaining Round for Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Higher Wages in the Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Sectors in Southwest Germany

The collective bargaining agreement provides the approximately 30,000 employees in Baden-Württemberg with a compensation bonus and a pay increase reflected in the pay scale, effective February 2027.

24 August 2026

2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Metalworking Trade Employees in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector will receive higher pay

Collective bargaining agreement in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector: Wages and apprenticeship stipends will increase starting in July. In addition, employees will receive a one-time payment and a new annual recreation allowance.

21 August 2026

Defend the welfare state All dates for nationwide actions against cuts to social services

The federal government’s reform plans will mean cuts for many workers. It’s time to actively defend the welfare state.

19 August 2026

On September 21, things will get loud Nationwide Day of Action: Auto Industry Workers Fight Back Against Mass Layoffs

Automotive industry workers are resisting their corporate bosses’ fantasies of cost-cutting and offshoring. During the nationwide day of action, they will send a clear message: Competitiveness is not achieved through cost-cutting, but through investment.

19 August 2026

Apprenticeship Wages Questions and Answers About Apprenticeship Wages

How much money are apprentices entitled to? Apprenticeship pay can vary depending on the industry, region, and whether a collective bargaining agreement applies. One thing is certain: you’re better off with a collective bargaining agreement. Our FAQ on pay.

18 August 2026

When Your Apprenticeship Isn’t Going Well Having problems with your apprenticeship? We have solutions

Are you having problems with your apprenticeship? Are you having trouble getting along with your instructor? Do you find learning difficult? Is your money barely enough to make ends meet? And what if I get sick? We answer frequently asked questions.

18 August 2026

When money isn’t enough How to finance your vocational training or college education

Apprentices and dual-track students can receive various forms of financial assistance. We provide tips on the vocational training allowance (BAB), BAföG, housing allowance, and child support—and we explain what you should keep in mind when working a part-time job.

18 August 2026

Entry into the Workforce The Apprenticeship Market Put to the Test: Five Theses on the Start of the 2026 Apprenticeship Cycle

Vocational training is considered a model of success. Yet a decline in apprenticeship openings, financial worries among many apprentices, and millions of young people without vocational qualifications show that not everything is running smoothly in the apprenticeship market. Five theses on the start of the 2026 apprenticeship cycle.

12 August 2026

FAQ on the Crisis in the Automotive Industry Solidarity is our strongest asset

Cost-cutting measures, layoffs, plant closures: Across Germany, automakers and suppliers are delivering bad news: Employees have had enough. On September 21, IG Metall will organize all-day, nationwide actions and protests at German automotive sites.

11 August 2026

Pension Reform Partial retirement at risk: What employees need to know now

Partial retirement is an important path to retirement. However, the federal government wants to abolish the so-called “block model” of partial retirement. Why this plan fails to address the needs of many workers—and what IG Metall is calling for instead.

10 August 2026

“Maloche und Malibu” Podcast Car Executives Fail, Workers Are Supposed to Pay the Price: Not on Us!

What should I do if my boss is bullying me? What was the biggest strike in history? On the podcast “Maloche und Malibu,” we discuss the big questions of the working world. The new episode is titled “Car Executives Fail, Workers Pay the Price: Not on Us!”

3 August 2026

The ABCs of Works Council Elections Getting the Works Council Election Off to the Right Start

For the works council election to go smoothly, everything has to fall into place. Above all, it’s important to avoid pitfalls when organizing the election. Our ABC provides an overview of what matters most in a works council election.

24 July 2026

2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Glazing Trade Higher Wages for Glaziers in Rhineland-Palatinate

In the Rhineland-Palatinate glazing industry, employees will receive a 2 percent pay increase starting in July 2026. Apprentice wages will be raised at the same time.

24 July 2026

T-ZUG in the Metal and Electrical Industry T-ZUG and T-Geld are now available

With their July paycheck, employees in the metal and electrical industries will receive their Collective Bargaining Supplement (T-ZUG A) in the amount of 27.5 percent of their monthly pay—as well as their Transformation Allowance (T-Geld) in the amount of 18.4 percent of their monthly pay.

22 July 2026

Pension Reform “Retirement at 63”: Why We Absolutely Must Keep It

Anyone who contributes to the pension fund for 45 years has earned their retirement. We should not compromise on this principle. Otherwise, we risk massive injustices.

21 July 2026

Health Insurance Companies Solidarity or unfairness: Who pays for healthcare reform?

Health care reform has been approved. However, the controversial austerity package places a disproportionate burden on those with public health insurance and on employees. Structural financing problems are not being adequately addressed. Yet there is another way.

21 July 2026

Summer Heat Guide What to Do When It’s Hot at Work?

More and more often, the thermometer is hitting the 30-degree mark, making work in the office or on the factory floor a real ordeal. We explain whether employees are allowed to stop working and offer tips for hot days at work.

20 July 2026

The Federal Government’s Reform Package Further Cuts for Employees Despite Relief

The coalition’s reform package presents a mixed picture. Alongside noticeable tax relief, it includes measures that infringe on workers’ rights. With the previously announced reforms to pensions, long-term care, and health care, a significant imbalance remains for insured individuals and employees.

2 July 2026

Integration in the Workplace Enabling participation for employees with disabilities

At the machinery manufacturer Körber in Hamburg, the representative body for employees with severe disabilities has set itself the goal of integrating people with disabilities into the workplace. The result is a systematic inclusion model that enables genuine participation.

2 July 2026

2026 Metal and Electrical Collective Bargaining Round Collective bargaining committees decide to terminate the wage agreements

Collective bargaining negotiations in the metal and electrical industry have begun. The bargaining committees of IG Metall have convened to discuss the situation and initial demands. The situation is extremely varied: Many companies are in crisis, while others are making good profits.

25 June 2026

Long-Term Care Reform Making long-term care affordable: But fair!

The long-term care insurance system is running out of money. The federal government wants to plug the gaps with an austerity bill. But that would mean new hardships for millions of people in need of care and their families. Yet there is a socially responsible alternative to mere benefit cuts.

24 June 2026

Pension Reform Where the Pension Commission Is Right—and Where It’s Wrong

A commission has presented proposals for a major pension reform. The federal government now wants to implement these proposals quickly. The plans include some positive approaches, but also send some mixed signals. An overview.

24 June 2026

Staff cuts prevented Jobs secured, prospects created

Maschinenfabrik Alfing Kessler was under immense pressure. The closure of some divisions and a workforce reduction of more than 20 to 25 percent were on the table. For the works council, one thing was clear: waiting it out was not an option. They secured jobs and made the facility competitive.

24 June 2026

Statutory Pension Raising the retirement age? These arguments speak against it

68, 69, or even 70 years old: The federal government’s planned pension reform also includes a higher retirement age. This has little to do with the reality of working people’s lives. Our arguments against working endlessly.

23 June 2026

2026 Works Council Election Works Council Elections: 75 Percent for IG Metall So Far

Despite difficult times: In the 2026 works council elections, with votes counted from half of the companies in IG Metall’s sectors, approximately 75 percent of the votes went to IG Metall. This represents a slight increase compared to the last election (2022: 71.9 percent).

18 June 2026

Vacation Pay in 2026 More vacation days and extra money for travel with a collective bargaining agreement

Vacation at last. Employees at companies covered by collective bargaining agreements have a clear advantage here. With a collective bargaining agreement, you not only get more vacation days, but also a little extra for your travel budget.

18 June 2026

Working Hours Act The Debate Over the Eight-Hour Workday: These Are the Biggest Myths About Working Hours

Unions fought hard for the eight-hour workday. Now it’s set to be abolished. But working longer hours is harmful to health and offers little benefit to the economy. Everything else is a myth. And there are quite a few of those when it comes to working hours.

18 June 2026

Steel Workers’ Protest in Front of the Ministry of Economics Steel workers apply pressure in Berlin

“Lower energy prices! Strengthen industry! No room for dumped steel!” More than 1,700 steelworkers marched to Berlin with these demands. In front of the Brandenburg Gate and the Federal Ministry of Economics, they made clear what steps policymakers must now take.

12 June 2026

EU Pay Transparency Directive Pay transparency is falling by the wayside

The federal government is failing to implement a key EU directive on pay transparency by the deadline—despite persistently high pay gaps between women and men. Why greater transparency is long overdue and why action must be taken now.

8 June 2026