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IG Metall Membership Dues Who pays how much in membership dues?

IG Metall is funded exclusively by its members’ dues. By paying dues, each member not only provides for themselves but also stands up for others. That is our principle of solidarity. Our bylaws specify who pays what amount in dues.

Metallerinnen und Metaller demonstrieren gemeinsam auf der FairWandel-Kundgebung


All of our services are financed by our members’ dues. The dues paid by over 2.2 million people make us strong and, above all, effective. The IG Metall bylaws stipulate the following dues rates:
 

Full-time and part-time employees, apprentices, and self-employed individuals

Full-time and part-time members, members in company-sponsored training programs, those in work-study and work-integrated training and study programs, and self-employed individuals payone percent of their average monthly gross income*.


*Information on average gross monthly income

Average monthly gross income includes all components of income—regardless of whether they are based on statutory provisions, collective bargaining agreements, individual employment contracts, or works council regulations. This is the income before deduction of taxes and social security contributions. As a rule, it consists of the following components:

  • monthly base pay,
  • variable pay components such as average monthly allowances and supplements (e.g., performance bonuses, hardship allowances, shift allowances, piecework pay, bonuses, or performance-based pay),
  • other collectively bargained compensation components (e.g., one-time payments such as the 13th month’s salary or vacation pay/collectively bargained special payments),
  • capital-forming benefits or contributions to retirement plans, and other components.


Federal Voluntary Service or Voluntary Military Service

While all benefits for our members remain in effect, a contribution exemption applies for the entire duration of the social or ecological year (or similar) as well as during the orientation period of military service. When you return to work, we are happy to advise you on issues related to employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements or assist with other problems.

It is important to notify the IG Metall office when you return to the workforce or pursue other career paths.


High school students and college students

High school students and full-time college students pay the monthly benefit security contribution of 3 euros.

High school students and college students who receive compensation (= income) (e.g., dual-track students) or income equivalent to an apprenticeship stipend pay one percent of their average gross monthly income.

We review internship and employment contracts, provide advice on topics such as financing your studies, part-time jobs, and starting salaries, and offer free seminars on career entry and time management so that high school and college students are aware of their rights and can get off to a good start in their professional lives.

The local university information offices or campus offices of IG Metall also provide useful information on internships, part-time jobs, and career entry, and facilitate networking among students.

Membership Dues – Who Pays How Much?
Illustration Mitgliedsbeitrag 1 Prozent vom Brutto - Angestellte, Metallarbeiter, Auszubildende
• Full- and part-time employees
• Employees in partial retirement
• Apprentices 
• Dual-track students
• Self-employed individuals
Illustration Mitgliedsbeitrag 0,5 Prozent vom Brutto - Rentnerinnen und Rentner, Umschüler, Erwerbslose mit Bezug von Arbeitslosengeld, Kranke mit Krankengeldbezug
• Retirees
• Unemployed individuals receiving unemployment benefits
• People on sick leave receiving sick pay
• People in retraining programs with income from social security

 

Illustration Mitgliedsbeitrag 3 Euro - Elternzeit, Schüler*innen, Studierende, Bürgergeldbezug, Privatinsolvenz
• Mothers and fathers on parental leave
• Students and high school students in full-time continuing education
• Unemployed individuals receiving basic income
• People on sick leave receiving social benefits
• Individuals in personal bankruptcy, on unpaid leave, providing full-time care for family members, or in similar situations
Illustration Mitgliedsbeitrag Null Euro - Freiwillige Wehrdienst-, Zivildienst-, Sozialdienstleistende
• Volunteers performing military service
• Volunteers performing civilian or social service

Mothers and Fathers on Parental Leave

We are committed to equal opportunity, equality, and fair pay. This naturally includes the ability to balance family and career—for both mothers and fathers. The benefit security contribution of 3 euros applies when a member is on parental leave and receiving parental allowance (with little or no additional income).

We inform parents and expectant parents about changes in the law, offer tips on what expectant parents should keep in mind during this time, and explain which deadlines must be met—for example, when applying for parental leave. We provide advice on labor and social security law issues related to parental leave and parental allowance.


Unemployed individuals receiving unemployment benefits, sick individuals receiving sick pay, and those in retraining

Unemployed individuals receiving Unemployment Benefit I, individuals receiving sick pay, or those in retraining programs with income from social security pay 0.5 percent of their monthly gross income replacement benefit.

Our colleagues at the IG Metall officesprovide advice, for example, on unfair dismissal claims, negotiations with former or new employers, impending termination, mass layoffs or plant closures, negotiating severance packages, the transition to unemployment, questions regarding health insurance, and collective bargaining and works council law.
 

Members receiving basic income or undergoing personal bankruptcy

Especially during difficult life situations, it’s important to be—and remain—a member of IG Metall so you can take advantage of the benefits of membership.

For a benefit security contribution of 3 eurosper month, our colleagues at theIG Metall officesprovide advice on all questions related to the basic income, social benefits, and much more. In cases of lawsuits for protection against dismissal or lawsuits against, among others, employment agencies, social welfare offices, health insurance companies, or the statutory pension insurance system, free representation under labor and social security law is provided.
 

Retirees

When you leave the workforce and transition into retirement, it’s worth remaining a member. That’s because IG Metall not only advocates for improving the living and working conditions of its members in the workplace but also for the broader social and societal policy framework.

Over 500,000 retirees are members of IG Metall, lending support and legitimacy to our activities and demands. When unions secure pay raises through successful collective bargaining, this also benefits retirees. As a general rule: no wage increase means no pension increase. For a contribution of 0.5 percent of their gross pension income, retired members naturally continue to be entitled to IG Metall’s benefits.

Local senior citizen outreach is part of “Non-Workplace Union Activities” (AGA). Local working groups are home to a vibrant union life. In addition to informational events, cultural and political events as well as excursions are organized. It’s worth asking about these and checking out the local program. You can get information from your local IG Metall office.

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

From legal protection in labor and social security matters to fair wages and salaries—we provide personalized and reliable support to our members.

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