IG Metall is only as strong as its members make it. We want to strengthen our base and convince people to become part of our strong and united community.
We succeed because there are so many of us. Fair wages and salaries, more worker participation, time for family, better living and working conditions—even in old age—and a flexible transition to retirement—none of this comes from nowhere. A strong IG Metall, well-organized workforces, and competent works councils fight every day for justice and a good life. For us, representing members’ interests isn’t just about having representatives make decisions on their behalf. Only those who are involved can have a say and help make decisions.
We Have the Experts in Co-determination
The experts on worker participation and good working conditions in the workplace are—and always will be—the works councils. They have a comprehensive view of the company, know the departments and processes on the shop floor, and understand the workforce’s pain points. They are supported in this by IG Metall’s experts. This enables them to confidently engage with the employer and present the workforce’s demands and proposals.
130,000 experts: these are our works council members, youth and apprentice representatives, shop stewards, and representatives for people with severe disabilities at IG Metall. They work every day to promote fair labor and a good quality of life. They are well-trained, have extensive experience, and consistently rise to the challenges.
IG Metall asks questions and listens to people. The issues that are of pressing concern to many are brought into the political discussion—and with great success. Precarious employment, temporary work, or retirement at age 67—we set the agenda and always have sound proposals for solutions. Our goal is clear: we want a society with a social, democratic, and ecological economic system that offers everyone a fair working and living environment.
A Diverse Community
Not only are there many of us, but IG Metall is also a diverse community: Our members belong to various employee groups. The largest group works in the metal and electrical industries. This sector not only has the highest proportion of union members, for whom we regularly negotiate excellent collective bargaining agreements with substantial pay raises and much more. The same applies, of course, to other sectors within our area of responsibility.
IG Metall represents the interests of workers in the metal and electrical industries, the iron and steel industries, the textile and apparel industries, and the wood and plastics industries. For workers in all these sectors, the same principle applies: it’s better with a union! In addition, IG Metall advocates for the interests of workers in 90 skilled trades. Added to this is a constantly growing number of highly qualified workers in information technology, mechanical engineering, and the automotive industry. We are also an attractive advocate for students, retirees, and the unemployed.
