The Black-Yellow coalition has run its course, and a “business as usual” approach has been rejected: Citizens have punished the FDP’s neoliberal clientelism. The SPD has gained ground but failed to achieve its goal of a Red-Green majority. The Greens’ meteoric rise has come to an abrupt halt. The Left Party is establishing itself as a permanent fixture in the Bundestag.
As the strongest parliamentary group, the CDU/CSU must now seek a new coalition partner. This opens up opportunities to change the political direction—toward a more equitable labor market policy, a more progressive education policy, and a Europe based on solidarity. For legislation, however, it is not only the majority ratios in the Bundestag that matter, but also those in the Bundesrat. There, the Red-Green coalition holds the majority at least until 2016. Political power is thus divided among the CDU/CSU, the SPD, and the Greens in the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The labor unions must adapt to this reality.
Politically Credible
It is not the union’s role to campaign for one party or another, or for a particular party-political coalition, but rather to advocate within all democratic parties for the translation of union positions into practical policy. In doing so, the path taken in recent years must be continued. IG Metall has demonstrated its strength and—in addition to its workplace and collective bargaining policies—has been able to advance many political issues. Without IG Metall, for example, no politician would be talking about the abuse of contract-for-service agreements, and thanks to pressure from the unions, the minimum wage is now included in most party platforms.
IG Metall’s strength lies in its political credibility as well as its capacity to take action on workplace and social policy issues. The latter must be expanded through strong collective bargaining agreements, new members, and a firm foothold in the workplace through active works councils and shop stewards.
Strengthening Collective Bargaining Autonomy
The election campaign is over. Now it’s time to focus on solutions to political and social challenges. We need a restructuring of the labor market. To eliminate social injustices caused by precarious, low-paying jobs, we must strengthen collective bargaining autonomy and increase worker participation, both within companies and on supervisory boards: A fair balance between employees’ demands and companies’ desire for flexibility will only be achieved if works councils and employee representatives on supervisory boards are granted more rights.
Funding for Education
We also need investment in the energy transition, in research and science, in infrastructure, and in social and cultural services. For many years, Germany has been living off its reserves. It is high time to invest wisely. Otherwise, we face the risk of losing value creation and, with it, jobs. Young people are the most important “resource” for a strong economy and society. That is why IG Metall is also calling for a modern education policy, from daycare to higher education.
All of this costs money. But it is money that benefits the entire country. It won’t be possible without higher tax revenues for the government. That is why high incomes and large private fortunes must contribute more to financing our collective future.
The federal election has reshaped the political balance of power. But the debate over the right answers to these problems and challenges is not over; rather, it has just begun. The ball is now in Chancellor Merkel’s court. She is called upon to work with a new coalition partner to implement the social issues that the CDU championed during the election campaign through concrete political measures. The labor unions will judge the new government by this.
*About the authors: Martin Allespach heads the Policy Department on the IG Metall Executive Board, while Michael Guggemos oversees the coordination of executive board tasks and political planning.
