Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping an ecological transformation of industry in Germany. “At IG Metall, we are advocating for a model of industrial development that is socially and ecologically sustainable—one that combines economic prosperity, good and secure jobs, and an environment worth living in,” says IG Metall President Jörg Hofmann on the occasion of Labor Day on May 1.
Vision and Conflict – We Can Do Both
Hofmann calls on employers to work constructively with IG Metall, works councils, and employees to drive the socio-ecological transformation within their companies. “Employees want to be part of the innovations and products of tomorrow. But they need security amid change and clear prospects.”
Hofmann warns employers against missing the boat on change or, worse still, using the transformation as a pretext to shift jobs to low-cost countries abroad. “At IG Metall, we can do both: strategy and conflict. It’s up to employers to decide which of these tools we’ll use to guide the transformation in workplaces. Our goal is clear: The transformation must be shaped in a socially, environmentally, and democratically responsible way. We’re committed to this—one way or another.”
For More Investment and Modern Co-determination
In light of the impending upheavals, Hofmann calls for the rights of works councils and unions to be strengthened. He argues that lawmakers have a duty to adapt works constitution and corporate co-determination to the requirements of the 21st century.
“But we won’t just sit around waiting for the legislature. Union influence and the enforcement of forward-looking collective bargaining agreements are already enabling greater economic democracy today. We will not accept high-handed decisions regarding locations, investments, and employment. We counter this with union solidarity. Workforce participation—it simply won’t work without it.”
For an Active Industrial Policy
IG Metall is also convinced that the federal government must step up. What is needed, the union argues, is an active industrial policy that sets the framework so that new products, new value creation, and new jobs can be generated here in Germany rather than migrating to low-wage countries. A fair and internationally competitive industrial electricity price for energy-intensive industries, for example, is long overdue.
In addition, an active labor market and employment policy is needed—one that, for example, facilitates training and continuing education for emerging or rapidly changing professions. In this context, IG Metall has raised the issue of the right to a second vocational training. “We need secure bridges to the working world of tomorrow,” said Jörg Hofmann. “Politicians must build these bridges now.”
Additional statements from the executive board members of IG Metall on May 1 for editorial use:
Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall
“It is high time to invest in workers’ skills. The ecological and digital transformation demands new skills—some of which differ from those acquired in one’s original profession. That is why it is important to encourage a career change—by providing time, funding, and opportunities for a second vocational training. Therefore, the issues of skills development and second vocational training must not be called into question—or even subjected to austerity measures—by invoking the debt brake.”
Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall
“Solidarity also means that we must reshape our economy in a climate-friendly and socially responsible way. Sustainability must also apply to workers. To achieve this, we want to restructure industry, not dismantle it! To ensure that mobility functions in an environmentally sound way in the future, we must consider all modes of transportation together. We need substantial investments—for example, in charging stations for cars and commercial vehicles—and massive funding for rail transportation. And for workers, modern-day co-determination in the workplace is essential.”
Jürgen Kerner, Chief Treasurer of IG Metall
“We won’t let employers feed us fairy tales about the wage-price spiral. The opposite is true. We can only achieve economic stability and economic growth with stable purchasing power. For that, people need money in their pockets. Good wages and a stable economy—that’s what we’re fighting and striking for.”
Wolfgang Lemb, Executive Board Member of IG Metall
“Whether the transition to a decarbonized industry succeeds will be decided at the regional level. A key factor is cooperation with works council members and employees on the ground. In doing so, it is crucial to consider not only the industrial prospects but also the social consequences. I expect the federal government to integrate and implement industrial, energy, structural, and employment policies more closely. We want the transition to succeed in a way that is socially, environmentally, and equitably sound.”
Ralf Kutzner, Executive Board Member of IG Metall
“Some may have dismissed May 1 as Labor Day in recent years. Now, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that we must wage ever-tougher battles over the distribution of wealth to secure a fair share of the economy’s output for the people. In this way, we can help safeguard the standard of living for millions of workers. That is also the reason why significantly more workers are joining unions again. And that’s a good thing.”
Irene Schulz, Executive Board Member of IG Metall
“These times of crisis have shown that we trade unionists are not only unwavering in our solidarity but also successful. Our strong collective bargaining agreements mean good jobs with good wages. And that, in turn, secures employment, skilled workers, and industry here in Germany. That is the value of strong and successful unions, now and in the future.”
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member of IG Metall
“In a time of social uncertainty and fears of social decline, a robust welfare state is more necessary than ever. Without social safety nets, neither the necessary energy and transportation transitions nor the digitalization of industry and services will succeed. Anyone who fails to take people’s social fears seriously is bound to fail. We need more—not less—solidarity in society. And that’s only possible with strong unions!”
Digital Press Kit for May 1
