Shop Steward Elections: Here’s How It Works How do I become a union representative?

Who is eligible for election?

Anyone who wants to be elected as a shop steward to the shop steward body (VK) must have the trust of their colleagues and be a member of IG Metall. They should be willing to participate in union training programs and other events for shop stewards. Works council members, youth and apprentice representatives, and union representatives for employees with severe disabilities who are organized within IG Metall also belong to the IG Metall union representative body at the workplace, provided they meet the aforementioned requirements and the respective local executive board has confirmed their role.

Who can vote? Who can run for office?

All IG Metall members in the individual areas of activity—that is, the various units—within the company are eligible to vote. Any IG Metall member who wishes to become active in the company may run for office.

Who organizes the election and when?

The shop steward committee of the local IG Metall administrative office, in cooperation with the respective local executive board, is responsible for preparing and conducting the election. Both bodies—in consultation with the leadership of the shop steward bodies—determine the organizational details and ensure that the election is conducted in accordance with democratic principles. Regular shop steward elections take place every four years. The IG Metall Executive Board decides on the election period in consultation with the central shop steward committee. Specific information on the local election process is available from the relevant IG Metall offices. There, members can receive personalized advice and additional materials regarding the shop steward election.

What does the election process look like?

First, IG Metall members at the workplace must be informed of the intention to elect shop stewards. Next, the areas in which shop stewards are to be elected must be defined. Each area should not include more than 20 employees. Finally, an election committee must be formed, and candidates must be nominated in the individual departments. The shop stewards are then elected by the IG Metall members in their respective areas of responsibility. If this is not possible, the election takes place during a general membership meeting.

If there are multiple candidates, the person with the highest number of votes wins—according to the principle of a simple majority. Depending on the structure of the company, different election procedures may be applied. The election may be conducted by secret ballot, by written ballot, or by a show of hands. This depends on the level of union organization and the level of trust within the area of representation or the workplace. The elected shop stewards form the new shop steward body, which elects its own leadership. The local IG Metall office must be informed of the results.

Can union representatives be removed from office?

Union members in the area of representation may remove their shop steward by a simple majority vote. It is the responsibility of the shop steward body’s leadership, in consultation with the local executive board, to carry out the necessary removal. The mandate expires on the date of removal or dismissal, or upon leaving the company. If a representative changes their area of responsibility, they remain a member of the representative body until the end of the term of office. By-elections are held immediately for shop stewards who have left the area of responsibility. The shop stewards elected in the by-elections serve until the end of the term of office.