2016 JAV Elections Why Young Employees Get Involved in the JAV

They advocate for apprentices and young employees at their workplaces. And they’re active in the local IG Metall youth group. Five active members explain why they believe this work is worthwhile:

Karina Richter is completing an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at Wilo in Hof and is a member of the Youth and Apprentice Council (JAV). Since 2013, she has also been active in the Local Youth Committee (OJA) of IG Metall East Upper Franconia. There, young people meet every month to discuss current issues and campaigns and to exchange ideas with young colleagues from different workplaces. “The OJA is like a big family that’s always there to listen when you have problems,” says Karina. She first became involved through her role as an alternate JAV member. She recommends the OJA to anyone who wants to take an active role in improving living and training conditions.

Robin Grunenberg is the JAV chair at Terex in Wetter an der Ruhr, where he is pursuing a practice-integrated dual degree in mechanical engineering and training to become an industrial mechanic. “For me, it’s important that we also stand up for colleagues who don’t have the confidence to advocate for better training conditions themselves.” That’s why Robin is actively involved in the OJA of IG Metall Hagen. What he’s particularly proud of: “Our large youth and apprentice assembly in April 2016, held jointly with the OJA of IG Metall Gevelsberg-Hattingen.” More than 300 apprentices discussed the reform of the Vocational Training Act with politicians there. “The politicians were quite impressed that so many young people are interested in this political issue.”

Philip Leser is the Youth and Apprentice Council (JAV) chair at the Siemens switchgear plant in Berlin and, in addition to his role, volunteers for IG Metall Berlin. He advocates for quality vocational training and calls for equal opportunities in vocational training and continuing education for all young people at the company. “What I like about the OJA is exchanging ideas on workplace and sociopolitical issues with colleagues from other companies, as well as planning joint initiatives. Right now, we’re preparing something for the start of the training program.”

André Schneider is the JAV chair at Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics in Konstanz. He wants to advocate for apprentices and students and “improve training.” If many of his colleagues vote, that means “strong support within the company” for André. “We hire our apprentices for one year after they complete their training.” The JAV achieved this together with the works council despite the difficult economic situation. They’ve also ensured that colleagues’ assignments abroad take place under reasonable conditions.

Joshua Kuchenbäcker is the vice chair of the JAV at Rheinmetall Defence in Bremen. He sees himself primarily as “the voice of young people at the company.” He will run for re-election again in November. “Through my work with the JAV, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people at the company and in IG Metall who have helped us—not just as the JAV, but also me personally—to grow!” The warning strikes currently underway for a collective bargaining agreement recognizing the union are particularly exciting. Some time ago, the company withdrew from the collective bargaining agreement. As a result, the JAV and the works council succeeded in re-organizing many employees—and especially apprentices—into the union.