Become a member
Automatic translation
This article has been translated automatically using computer technology. While we strive for accuracy, some wording or details may differ from those in the original article.
This translation was not manually reviewed. For important facts, quotations or legally sensitive information, please consult the German original. Individual selections, images, embedded media or technical terms may have been translated differently or incompletely.
Filmprojektor leuchtet im Dunkeln

YouTube Clips
IG Metall explains

IG Metall explains terms from the world of work and current political issues.

Foto: istock.com/fergregory

Videos

Arbeiter an Fräse

IG Metall explains: How IG Metall Makes Temporary Work Fairer

Our collective bargaining agreements ensure that temporary agency workers earn more money through industry-specific bonuses and give works councils the flexibility to shape temporary agency work arrangements.

Neuigkeiten aus der Arbeitswelt

IG Metall states: Good work should not be a gamble

With its “Good Work for All” campaign, IG Metall aims to ensure good working conditions for all employees at a company—whether they are permanent employees, temporary agency workers, or employees of industry-related service providers.

Eine junge Frau mit Streikweste und IG Metall-Kappe spricht mit einer anderen Frau.

IG Metall explains: What is a union?

It’s hard for one person alone to change or improve their working conditions. That’s why we have unions.

Arbeiter sitzt im Büro des Betriebsrates

IG Metall explains What is a works council?

The works council is democratically elected and has enforceable rights. Without a works council, working conditions are worse and wages are lower. IG Metall explains the works council.

Ein junger Mann mit roter Jacke und Trillerpfeife streckt den Daumen nach oben.

IG Metall explains: What are shop stewards?

Union representatives are IG Metall in action—right there in your workplace. They keep you informed, involve you in decision-making, and convey your opinions and concerns. They stand for democracy, fairness, and solidarity in the workplace. You, too, can run for office now. We’ll explain what union representatives do.

Mann in einer Menschenmenge hält einen Schal mit der Aufschrift "Es geht um mehr!" in die Höhe.

IG Metall explains: What is a collective bargaining agreement?

What is my work actually worth? How much money can I ask for? With a collective bargaining agreement, you’ll know. It sets minimum standards for your employment contract, which employees negotiate together with IG Metall. In our video, we explain how it works.

Digitale Produktionssteuerung

IG Metall explains: The skilled trades in 2030

The skilled trades sector is changing as a result of digitalization and technological developments. Lena and Lutz will discuss what lies ahead for the industry and what steps can be taken to successfully navigate this process.

Ein junger Mann in einem Unternehmen für Maschinenbau.

IG Metall explains: “Industry 4.0”

So-called Industry 4.0 is not only transforming the economy. These technological innovations are having an equally significant impact on the work and lives of nearly everyone. But what exactly is the “Internet of Things”?

IG Metall Mitglieder halten den IG Metall-Wecker in die Luft

IG Metall explains: The new collective bargaining agreements on working hours

Higher wages and greater autonomy over working hours—that’s what IG Metall achieved together with workers in the 2018 metal industry collective bargaining round. We explain what options the collective bargaining agreements offer when it comes to working hours.

Europäische Union Flaggen vor dem Europäischen Parlament

IG Metall explains: Why the EU is a good thing

Workers in Germany also benefit from the European Union. In our animated film, we show why the EU is a good thing and thereby take a clear stand against populism and nationalism.

Metaller bei der Arbeit

2018 Metal Industry Collective Bargaining Round That’s why we’re demanding a 6 percent pay increase

Collective bargaining negotiations for workers in the metal and electrical industries have begun. Our wage demand: a 6 percent increase over a 12-month period. In this video, we explain why.

Telefonaktion Rente: Eure Fragen alle Antworten

IG Metall explains: Here’s how we’ll fund better pensions

Statutory pension benefits continue to decline. But there is another way: Our new explanatory video shows how better pensions can be financed fairly.

Eine Sanduhr, durch die roter Sand rinnt.

IG Metall states: The working hours demand for the 2018 collective bargaining round

In addition to a 6 percent pay raise, IG Metall is demanding more autonomy over working hours. IG Metall members should be entitled to reduce their working hours to up to 28 hours per week—for up to two years.

Ein lächelnder Mann mit IG Metall-Kappe hält lächelnd ein Megafon.

IG Metall explains: Why everything is LAME without a collective bargaining agreement

Christmas bonus, job security, and so much more... Good working conditions are only possible with a collective bargaining agreement. Our video shows the benefits that collective bargaining agreements bring to employees.

Betriebsrat Ayhan Yalgin sitzt auf einer Bank in der Umkleide der Gießerei DEUMU

IG Metall explains: That wouldn’t have happened to you if there had been a works council

Overtime, termination, occupational safety, vacation, work-life balance, and training quality—the works council supports employees on a wide range of issues.

Aktion für gute Renten

IG Metall explains: IG Metall explains pensions

Work your whole life—and then receive a pittance of a pension? It’s actually a scandal. Yet that’s exactly the direction policymakers are heading. What’s going wrong with pensions—and how we can save them.

Student sitzt an einem Tisch im Seminarraum und macht sich Notizen.

IG Metall explains: Part-time education

How does continuing education or studying work while you’re employed? The new collective bargaining agreement on education provides clarity on this. We’ve put together a short explanatory video for you that shows what part-time education is all about and how it can be implemented in the workplace.

Integration, Arbeit

IG Metall explains: The Workplace Integration Year

The integration of refugees is an important social task that requires special commitment and initiative. At the urging of IG Metall, the Federal Employment Agency has developed two models. We explain how these models work.

Mitarbeiter mit Lernschwäche im Betrieb

IG Metall explains: How is an SBV elected

The Representative Body for Employees with Severe Disabilities (SBV) represents the interests of employees with severe disabilities and those deemed equivalent within the company.

Rauchende Schornsteine eines Kraftwerks

IG Metall explains: Here’s how we’ll stop climate change

Climate change threatens the entire world. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced urgently. The best way to do this is through new, efficient technologies—and binding rules for all countries.

Ein Verkehrsschild im Vordergrund und eine Gruppe Streikende dahinter.

IG Metall explains: How service contracts divide workforces

To cut costs, more and more companies are using service contracts—at the expense of employees. In many companies, there are different working conditions for similar jobs. Our animated informational video explains how service contracts divide the workforce.

Ein Mann mit Sonnenbrille hält bei einer Demonstration ein Schild mit der Aufschrift: Faire Leiharbeit

IG Metall explains: Temporary work—why it upsets IG Metall so much

Temporary work is often misused to establish a second pay scale within companies. This is unfair. We explain why.

Ein Mann mit Mütze und Streikweste pfeift durch die Finger.

IG Metall explains: What is a warning strike?

In the context of collective bargaining, we often hear about warning strikes. IG Metall explains what they’re all about: What is the purpose of warning strikes? Who is allowed to participate, and how? How do they differ from a “normal” strike?

Beine von Fußgängern, die über einen Zebrastreifen gehen.

IG Metall explains: How the social election works

The social election is one of the largest elections in the country: millions of people can have a say in their pension or health insurance plans. Our video explains how the social election works and why it’s important.

Junge Frau im Blaumann sitzt lächelnd in einer Werkstatt.

IG Metall explains: Hiring Trainees on Permanent Contracts as a Matter of Principle

A one-year fixed-term contract. Fatma, Sabrina, and Dirk aren’t happy about it at all. They’d prefer to switch companies. They believe that companies should, as a matter of principle, hire their trainees on permanent contracts. This would give young people like them more security and provide employers with skilled workers in the long term.

Beschäftigte stehen zu einem großen Herz zusammen
Foto: IG Metall
Become a member
Become part of a strong community

From legal protection in labor and social law matters to fair wages and salaries—we take personal and reliable care of our members.

new on igmetall.de
Aktionstag bei Mercedes Benz, Daimler, in Sindelfingen gegen die Angriffe auf Beschäftigten in der Automobilindustrie.
Foto: Lando Hass
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.

Sie wollen doch nur dein Bestes
Foto: iStock.com/nito100
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.

Der Streik bei Kelvion in Nobitz-Wilchwitz begann am 4. August 2026. Die Geschäftsleitung will nach Sarstedt/Niedersachsen verlagern - obwohl die Produktion in Wilchwitz profitabel und bis ins nächste Jahr ausgelastet ist.
Foto: IG Metall
"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.

Ruhrpott Rebellion am 07.07.2026
Foto: Thomas Range
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.

Beschäftigter arbeitet an einem Getriebe in einer Fabrik
Foto: iStock.com/industryview
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?

Ein männlicher Land- & Baumaschinenmechatroniker prüft einen Traktor mit einem Tablet
Foto: Igor Barilo / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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.

Elektronikerin prüft die Spannung an einem Schaltschrank.
Foto: coffeekai/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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.

Benjamin Heine ist Mitarbeiter der BMA in Braunschweig
Foto: Michael Wallmüller
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.

Metall-Arbeiter beim Schleifen
Foto: iStock.com/lentolo
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.

Beschäftigte von Thyssenkrupp demonstrieren in Essen am 23. Mai 2024 gegen das Vorgehen der Geschäftsführung beim geplanten Teilverkauf des Unternehmens.
Foto: Bernd Röttgers
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.

IGM Aktion VW Wolfsburg
HEIKO STUMPE
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.

Auszubildender in einer Schreinerei
Foto: iStock/shironosov
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.

Subscribe to the newsletter