Time Off for JAV Members
For JAV members, Section 37.6 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) governs time off for educational programs
Section 37.6 of the BetrVG allows you to take time off for courses that are necessary for your work as a JAV member.
Section 37.7 of the BetrVG grants you the right to time off for seminars where you acquire “appropriate” knowledge for your work on the Youth and Apprentice Committee (JAV).
Steps to Request Time Off for Seminars
- Find out if there is an Educational Leave Act (BUG) in your state.
- Check with the organizer to see if there are still open spots in the seminar.
- You must submit your request to your employer at least six weeks before the seminar begins.
- The works council and our local offices have the appropriate forms.
- You must include the seminar’s approval number with your application. You can obtain it from the organizer.
- Your employer cannot prohibit your participation. They can only say that the timing is inconvenient.
- In that case, simply suggest an alternative date to your employer. For apprentices, it’s difficult to justify why you’re indispensable.
- Youth and Apprentice Representatives (JAVis) have the best options; they can take almost unlimited time off.
- Everyone else can take time off through educational leave, a collective bargaining agreement, or simply by taking “unpaid” leave.
Our Seminars for JAV Members
Training quality, collective bargaining agreements, Vocational Training 4.0: We offer a wide range of seminars specifically for JAVs—to support your involvement. There are one-day training sessions, weekend seminars, or seminars lasting one or even two weeks. The training sessions provide knowledge and practical tools and prepare you for your work as a representative. Here you’ll find all seminars for youth and apprentice representatives.
How much do the seminars cost?
Our seminars are free for our members. If you’d like more information, please contact your local IG Metall office.
How can I register?
To register for a seminar, it’s best to contact your works council or reach out directly to the staff at your local IG Metall office. Just give them a call.
If your employer says “no” to the youth and apprentice representative (JAV) seminar
The employer refuses to cover the seminar costs and lost wages
After consulting with us, the works council will initiate proceedings at the labor court to have the employer cover the costs.
Lost wages
Individual JAV members must sue for their lost wages in labor court proceedings. The best way to do this is to involve our local office and apply for legal protection.
