For Jobs and Economic Recovery IG Metall Calls for a Joint Initiative

“We must break new ground so that Germany as an industrial hub can return to where it belongs: at the top. We need courage in the face of change, rather than ever-increasing uncertainty,” emphasized Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall, at the union’s annual press conference in Frankfurt.

Times are difficult right now, especially in the automotive, supplier, and raw materials industries. German industry is at risk of being crushed between U.S. tariffs and subsidized imports from China. By 2025, 140,000 jobs will have been cut in the industry. But the numbers could have been significantly higher.  

“IG Metall, its works councils, and the workers have delivered. Without us, the outlook for German industry would already be bleak. Workers in our sectors are forgoing billions in pay, including vacation and Christmas bonuses, and are working longer hours for less pay. In return, we have succeeded in securing tens of thousands of jobs and securing investment commitments for German locations,” explains Benner.

IG Metall Calls for an Initiative for Jobs and Economic Recovery

Now, the focus for IG Metall is on moving forward. For Benner, one thing is clear: “We need new strategies.” IG Metall is therefore calling for an initiative for jobs and economic recovery focused on innovation, investment, and industry—and is presenting a clear program to that end. 

“The Initiative for Jobs and Economic Recovery isn’t just about another roundtable discussion or the next joint statement,” emphasizes Jürgen Kerner. The vice president of IG Metall makes it clear what needs to happen now: “It’s about concrete action in the engine room of industry: in the individual sectors and on the ground in the regions.”

The Initiative for Jobs and Economic Recovery called for by IG Metall includes the following points:

1. Stop deindustrialization:IG Metall calls for a clear commitment against relocations, plant closures, and layoffs. If the mass layoffs do not stop, the union will take action.
2. A clear commitment to the industrialization of new technologies:New technologies and products must be developed and manufactured in Germany. 
3. Strengthening local value creation in investments and procurement:The resilience of supply chains must be improved. The link between local value creation and investment incentives must be strengthened. Public contracts must include a mandatory minimum share of local value creation. Companies bound by collective bargaining agreements must be given preference.  
4. European industrial policy with clear value-added rules:At the European level, the establishment of non-European companies may only be supported if significant, mandatory shares of value-added are generated in Germany and Europe. Likewise, the restructuring of existing sites must be supported just as much as new investments in EU-funded regions. Subsidies must not be used for relocations.
5. IG Metall offers cooperation at the workplace level on the following three points: 

• Boosting productivity through digitalization and artificial intelligence: Digitalization and AI offer opportunities. Through process agreements between works councils and employers, IG Metall aims to accelerate the introduction of AI.
• Faster decision-making processes—without eroding labor protections: Political relief is needed. But decision-making pathways within companies must also become significantly shorter, and processes must be accelerated. IG Metall draws a red line when it comes to occupational safety and health.
• Proactive health policy: The stigmatization of employees with health issues must end immediately. As part of a “proactive health policy,” IG Metall intends to address working conditions, corporate cultures, and strategic shortcomings in workplaces and develop targeted measures.