We want a life of dignity in an open society. For everyone. We oppose competitive pressure, cutthroat attitudes, and isolation; instead, we focus on solidarity and collective action. We advocate for fair working conditions and equal rights and opportunities. We take a firm stand against racism and nationalism. For us, people matter.
Working Together Internationally
We live in a world that is growing closer together every day. And yet, an incredible gap still yawns between rich and poor. Occupational safety standards, income, and regulated working hours are becoming factors in competition. Companies threaten to relocate. In Asia and Latin America, people toil for starvation wages, without social security, often 12–14 hours a day.
IG Metall Youth is part of a global labor movement. We will not allow ourselves to be pitted against one another—not in Germany, not in Europe, and not between continents. We fight against poverty and exploitation. We stand up for human rights and fair working conditions. We organize meetings and exchange programs. Justice is not bound by national borders; it only works on a global scale.
Fighting Racism
Fear, insecurity, and uncertainty about one’s own future plague many people. However, scapegoating others and taking out one’s own dissatisfaction on those perceived as weaker is not a solution—it is a problem.
To counter racist prejudices and nationalist mindsets, we rely on respect and solidarity. On the recognition of different ways of life and individuality—regardless of skin color, gender, or religion. On openness and collective action—instead of exclusion and discrimination. We stand up for what we believe in—whether at work, at vocational school, or at the local bar. For a world where character matters more than background.
Redistributing Time
We work to live. Not the other way around. Longer workweeks and longer working lives reduce the amount of time we have to live on our own terms. And they destroy jobs. Why should fewer and fewer people have to work longer and longer hours and have less and less free time? While at the same time, others are constantly searching in vain for a job? Why should colleagues have to toil into old age, while there’s a shortage of apprenticeships and youth unemployment is rising?
Reducing working hours creates jobs and facilitates entry into the workforce. Partial retirement and lowering the retirement age create opportunities for young people and ensure health and leisure time in old age. That’s what justice looks like.
Redistributing Opportunities
Nowhere else in Europe is social background as decisive for young people’s educational opportunities as it is in Germany. For us at IG Metall Youth, education is not a luxury. Our motto is: Support, not selection. Not learning against one another, but from and with one another. With up-to-date approaches and modern media, taught by well-trained professionals, in appropriate group sizes, in an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented manner.
We advocate for opportunities for lifelong learning. For career development opportunities. For continuing education programs after apprenticeship. For free access to universities. We want an education system that is focused on the individual, not on profit.
Get Involved
We’re taking our future into our own hands. We’re actively working for real opportunities in our professional and personal lives. Are you 27 or younger? Then you can get involved with us and take action yourself. Find out when and where we meet at your local IG Metall office. Just give us a call or send us an email.
Democratically structured and nationwide network
We are a democratic organization. Our members decide the direction we take—locally, in the district, and at the national level. Join us and get involved.
Locally – the Local Youth Committee (OJA)
Locally, we meet in the Local Youth Committee together with our youth secretary. This is the place for our active members. Whether you’re a member of a Youth Representative Committee (JAV) or involved in our campaigns and actions—in the OJA, we come together and share ideas:
- on training and work,
- on current political issues,
- about upcoming actions and campaigns,
- and to make friends.
At the state level—the District Youth Committee (BJA)
Individual or multiple federal states are organized into districts within IG Metall. At this level, the District Youth Committee represents the interests of young people. It is composed of volunteer delegates from the individual OJAs and meets four times a year. This is where supraregional actions are planned and coordinated.
At the federal level—the Federal Youth Committee (JA)
The Federal Youth Committee consists of two delegates from each BJA and the youth secretaries from the districts. In addition, several full-time staff members participate. In this way, IG Metall ensures that young people receive the attention they deserve. Also participating in the Federal Youth Committee:
- Delegates of the BJAs
- District Youth Secretaries
- IG Metall Executive Board Member (for Youth Affairs)
- Young IG Metall Division
- Representatives from other functional areas of the Executive Board (e.g., communications, press and media, women’s and gender equality policy, social policy, etc.)
The Federal Youth Conference
Every four years, the Federal Youth Conference sets the medium-term direction for IG Metall Youth. Over 200 delegates from the districts gather there to discuss fundamental issues and determine the future priorities of our work. The Youth Conference takes place every four years, always before the Union Congress.
Come visit us—get involved
Of course, you can also get involved in other areas and run for election to the committees there. In addition to the Youth Department, there are, for example, committees for specific industries, social policy, and collective bargaining policy. You can also get involved in individual projects at many local offices. Ask at your IG Metall local office —by phone, email, or just stop by in person.
