Better with a Works Council

How Employees Have a Say

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.