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Eine junge lachende Frau und zwei Männer bei einer Aktion.

Become a Member
Stronger Together

For safe, good, and fairly paid work—why you should become a member.



Working Together for a Good Life

Do you want to advocate for secure, good, and fairly paid work? So do we. We have over 2.2 million members and are consistently committed to fair wages, good working conditions, and greater justice. We do this because work is a defining part of our lives. With our strong community, we want to make a good life with good work possible. There are many reasons to become part of this community.

Beschäftigte stehen zu einem großen Herz zusammen
Become a member
Become part of a strong community

From legal protection in labor and social law matters to fair wages and salaries—we take personal and reliable care of our members.

Membership and change-of-information forms as PDFs and in other languages

Our bylaws specify the following membership fee amounts

Information on the processing of members’ personal data (PDF)


Successful Collective Bargaining Policy

Our collective bargaining agreements are our greatest achievement. We are committed to ensuring that employees share in the success of their companies. Wages in the metal and electrical industries have grown at an above-average rate compared to other sectors.

 

Workplace Co-determination

We stand for co-determination and democracy in the workplace and support our members in helping to shape regulations and framework conditions.


Successful Strategies for the Future

Better rather than cheaper, innovative ideas rather than unimaginative standard solutions—employees often know better than managers, who are accountable only to owners and shareholders, how to achieve this. We prioritize sustainable business strategies over short-term profits.


Secure and Fair Work

Low wages, temporary employment, precarious working conditions—we’re putting a stop to this trend through workplace regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and targeted public and political campaigns. Those who join IG Metall are committed to secure and fair work.


On-the-Ground Expertise

Dedicated works council members and shop stewards in the workplaces, over 150 local offices throughout Germany, and free legal advice and legal protection—we offer our members expert contacts everywhere.

 

Viele rote Trillerpfeifen mit dem Logo der IG Metall.
IG Metall—A Union Introduces Itself
Initial Information for Non-Members

Are you interested in becoming a member but would like to learn more first? No problem. You can order our free information package, “We. IG Metall,” here.

Rote Tassen mit 'WIR FÜR MEHR'-Druck.
Contact IG Metall
Questions about Membership and Benefits

Do you have questions about IG Metall membership and benefits, or are you interested in specific topics?

IG Metall Services

Eine Frau und ein Mann in einer Gesprächssituation im IG Metall Gebäude

Legal Protection Guide Legal Protection for Union Members: How It Works

Whether at work, during an apprenticeship or college, while unemployed, or in retirement—as part of a large community, metalworkers enjoy many benefits. In particular, they have access to union legal protection.

Eine Gruppe junge Männer mit roten Streikwesten.

Strikes and Disciplinary Action Strike pay: What members are entitled to during labor disputes

Strikes are a last resort to get employers to give in. In such cases, union members are entitled to strike pay.

Roter Apfel auf einem geöffneten Aktenordner.

Education and Seminars More Than Just a Seminar

Our seminars provide practical workplace expertise as well as knowledge of labor law and collective bargaining. Another strength of our educational programs compared to commercial providers: You’ll later apply what you’ve learned in the workplace. Our more than 140 local offices are here to support you.

Beschäftigte während des Kfz-Aktionstages 2019 in München

Pay, Vacation, Working Hours Collective bargaining agreements: What they offer, who benefits

Nowhere is the value of unions more evident than when it comes to collective bargaining. Employees who work at a company covered by a collective bargaining agreement typically earn significantly more than those not covered by such an agreement. And that’s by no means the only benefit.

IG Metall-App auf dem Handy

Always well-informed The IG Metall app

All guides, news, and information on collective bargaining and the world of work, as well as the latest pay scales, services like the shift calendar or the overtime calculator, the branch locator, and the strike pay application—our IG Metall app offers you all this and more.

Eine Frau an einer Kletterwand.

Leisure Accident Insurance Accident during leisure time: IG Metall members are covered

Whether climbing, skiing, or doing housework: Many accidents happen during leisure time. IG Metall members can rely on their leisure accident insurance in such cases. How the coverage works.

Eine Frau spricht mit einem Mann und legt ihm dabei die Hand auf die Schulter.

Help for Family Members Death benefit: Support in the event of death

Even in the worst-case scenario, IG Metall is there to help: In the event of death, we support our members’ surviving dependents. How this benefit works.

Junge Menschen mit Rucksack

IG Metall Service Company Offers for members

Whether it’s income tax assistance, vacation trips, or affordable outings to amusement parks: IG Metall Servicegesellschaft offers our members numerous benefits.

Landkarte mitmarkern für Geschäftsstellen
Interaktive-Landkarte.png IG Metall in Your Area
Advice, Service, Help

Any questions? Contact your local IG Metall office for more information.

new on igmetall.de
Aktionstag bei Mercedes Benz, Daimler, in Sindelfingen gegen die Angriffe auf Beschäftigten in der Automobilindustrie.
Resistance to Attempts at Drastic Cuts Auto industry workers issue a warning

Employees at VW, Mercedes-Benz, and other automakers and suppliers are giving their corporate bosses a rough fall. They will no longer allow themselves to be made scapegoats when management mistakes are the cause of the crisis. A nationwide day of action is scheduled for September 21.

Sie wollen doch nur dein Bestes
Redistribution Making Germany more equitable: We need this tax reform now

Is Germany a fair country? Many people say: no! Tax policy is the key lever for greater social justice. We should use this lever—and we should do so quickly and in several areas.

Der Streik bei Kelvion in Nobitz-Wilchwitz begann am 4. August 2026. Die Geschäftsleitung will nach Sarstedt/Niedersachsen verlagern - obwohl die Produktion in Wilchwitz profitabel und bis ins nächste Jahr ausgelastet ist.
"It’s worth fighting for!" Kelvion workers strike for a social collective bargaining agreement

Kelvion plans to relocate its profitable heat exchanger production in Wilchwitz (Thuringia) to the west. After nearly four weeks on strike, employees and IG Metall have reached a collective bargaining agreement that includes generous severance packages. A new investor intends to take over at least part of the operation.

Ruhrpott Rebellion am 07.07.2026
Welfare State September 26: Nationwide Day of Action for Social Policy

Working longer, smaller pensions, cuts to long-term care: The attack on the welfare state is growing ever more intense. On September 26, metalworkers will stand up against it. As part of the “Hart verdient” day of action, they will take to the streets in 15 German cities.

Beschäftigter arbeitet an einem Getriebe in einer Fabrik
Working Hours Why working longer doesn’t help—and actually does more harm than good

The German metal and electrical industry is in crisis and cutting jobs. Employers are demanding that we work longer hours again—preferably without pay—and that the 35-hour workweek be abolished, claiming that this would solve everything. But will that really make a difference?

Ein männlicher Land- & Baumaschinenmechatroniker prüft einen Traktor mit einem Tablet
2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors Greater Flexibility in the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen

Workers in the metalworking and agricultural machinery sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen can look forward to a 2.5 percent pay raise and the option to convert pay into time off.

Elektronikerin prüft die Spannung an einem Schaltschrank.
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Electrical Trades Wage Increase in the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg

Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg: Wages will increase in two stages starting January 1, 2027. Apprentice wages will also be raised in two stages.

Benjamin Heine ist Mitarbeiter der BMA in Braunschweig
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Higher Wages in the Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Sectors in Southwest Germany

The collective bargaining agreement provides the approximately 30,000 employees in Baden-Württemberg with a compensation bonus and a pay increase reflected in the pay scale, effective February 2027.

Metall-Arbeiter beim Schleifen
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Metalworking Trade Employees in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector will receive higher pay

Collective bargaining agreement in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector: Wages and apprenticeship stipends will increase starting in July. In addition, employees will receive a one-time payment and a new annual recreation allowance.

Beschäftigte von Thyssenkrupp demonstrieren in Essen am 23. Mai 2024 gegen das Vorgehen der Geschäftsführung beim geplanten Teilverkauf des Unternehmens.
Defend the welfare state All dates for nationwide actions against cuts to social services

The federal government’s reform plans will mean cuts for many workers. It’s time to actively defend the welfare state.

IGM Aktion VW Wolfsburg
On September 21, things will get loud Nationwide Day of Action: Auto Industry Workers Fight Back Against Mass Layoffs

Automotive industry workers are resisting their corporate bosses’ fantasies of cost-cutting and offshoring. During the nationwide day of action, they will send a clear message: Competitiveness is not achieved through cost-cutting, but through investment.

Auszubildender in einer Schreinerei
Apprenticeship Wages Questions and Answers About Apprenticeship Wages

How much money are apprentices entitled to? Apprenticeship pay can vary depending on the industry, region, and whether a collective bargaining agreement applies. One thing is certain: you’re better off with a collective bargaining agreement. Our FAQ on pay.

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