Trainees are also allowed to participate in warning strikes and strikes. Through warning strikes, metalworkers demonstrate their determination to fight for their demands. And that strengthens our negotiating position. It’s similar to a warm-up before a sports competition. If an agreement still cannot be reached despite warning strikes, IG Metall can declare the negotiations a failure. Then we call on our members to vote in a ballot on indefinite industrial action—that is, a strike.
Warning Strikes and Strikes—Your Right
Management keeps trying to claim that apprentices don’t have the right to strike. That’s nonsense: Apprentices not only have the right—they must stand up for their rights! As far back as 1984, the Federal Labor Court ruled that apprentices also have the right to strike and are therefore permitted to participate in warning strikes or strikes. And no one is allowed to prevent them from doing so! That’s only logical. After all, your training conditions—such as the amount of your training allowance—are also regulated by collective bargaining agreements. That’s why apprentices must also have a say in how their training conditions are structured.
Participation in Warning Strikes and Strikes
Going on strike is not wrong. On the contrary: The right to strike is guaranteed by the Basic Law and by international agreements. Participating in warning strikes and strikes does not jeopardize the purpose of your apprenticeship. On the contrary: It can serve to introduce you to the realities of working life. If it comes down to it, the same rules apply to you as to all employees: You may only strike if your union calls for it. So if IG Metall calls for a warning strike with a flyer, you can grab your whistle and join in. You can find more on the topic of “warning strikes” in our guide Warning Strikes—Our Right.
No Warning Letter
Your boss may not punish you for participating in a warning strike or a strike. And under no circumstances may he issue you a written warning or even threaten you with termination. As part of a collective bargaining agreement, a“disciplinary clause”is usually agreed upon to ensure that everyone who has participated in strikes is protected from any disciplinary action.
Support During a Strike
For the duration of a warning strike, your boss may deduct a pro-rata amount from your training stipend to compensate for the time lost. In the event of an indefinite full-scale strike, as a member, you’ll receive strike pay from us during this time. To be eligible, you must have been a member for at least three months. For one week of strike action , you’ll receive 14 times your average membership dues. You can calculate the exact amount online using our strike pay calculator. Or you can ask your Youth and Apprentice Representative (JAV), your Works Council (BR), or your local IG Metall office.
Apprenticeship at a Company on Strike
If, as an apprentice, you are not directly involved in the labor dispute at a company on strike, your apprenticeship must continue. If necessary, this may involve appropriate adjustments, such as moving up your shop classes.
Union members are better off
There are many good reasons to join us. One of the most important: Only as a member are you entitled to benefits under collective bargaining agreements, such as higher wages, more time off/vacation, Christmas and vacation bonuses, or a job offer after completing your apprenticeship.
What we offer specifically to apprentices and (dual) students: Benefits for apprentices.
All benefits at a glance: Benefits for members.
Any questions?
Then contact your Youth and Apprentice Committee (JAV), your works council, or your IG Metall office. For more information on youth issues, visit: www.igmetall.de/jugend.
