In Factory 4.0, employees work in a networked environment with collaborative robots (without safety cages), assembly assistance systems, and automated production control. What are the technical possibilities for real-time networking of production processes and assistance systems in assembly, maintenance, and logistics? And what is the role of humans in digital production controlled by Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)? Are they just a cog in the system? Or do they still hold the reins? How can labor representatives and unions shape Work 4.0 so that it remains skilled and well-paid? Around 90 shop stewards and works council members discussed these issues at the “Practice-Science Dialogue” held as part of the IG Metall projects “Work and Innovation,” organized by the Shop Stewards and Workplace Policy Department in collaboration with the Future of Work Department.
Skilled Work Under Threat
MES systems have long been used to plan production orders and the necessary resources, such as skilled workers, machines, and components. Until now, human production planners have been in charge of this process. What’s new is that machines now report the status of production orders in real time—and that some employers are now attempting to automate production control using MES systems. This would eliminate high-quality skilled labor.
To preserve skilled jobs even in the digital factory of the future, hundreds of works council members and shop stewards are working on solutions within the IG Metall “Work and Innovation” projects to shape the relationship between work and technology and to provide training for employees. Through the end of 2018, the shop stewards and works council members will participate in a one-year training series and work on projects at their respective companies.
“The works council is having to deal with issues related to digitalization more and more frequently. On the one hand, there’s a push to implement MES; on the other, the company is investing in new robotics technology. The company is investing millions in modernizing our site,” explains Paul Klement, a works council member at forklift manufacturer Linde Material Handling in Aschaffenburg. “As the works council, we want to support and help shape this process. That’s why we’re also participating in the ‘Work and Innovation’ training program. The ‘Practice-Science Dialogue’ was a great opportunity for exchange. IG Metall has built up a huge network there.”
