Frankfurt am Main – Following the conclusion of exploratory talks between the CDU/CSU and the SPD, IG Metall intends to ramp up pressure ahead of the upcoming coalition negotiations. Under the slogan “My Job. Our Industrial Nation. Our Future!”, tens of thousands of workers across Germany will take to the streets this coming Saturday, March 15. They are calling for a government program focused on a modern industrial nation and a strong welfare state with good, secure jobs.
IG Metall particularly welcomes the planned special fund for infrastructure investments totaling 500 billion euros, but still sees many uncertainties ahead. “No special fund has been approved yet, and the debt brake has not been amended,” warns Christiane Benner. “All political forces must now take responsibility to ensure this key initiative does not fail. We need a consensus now on measures that can secure a majority. We at IG Metall will send a clear signal to that effect on Saturday.”
Jürgen Kerner, Second Chair of IG Metall, warns against distributing the money from the special fund indiscriminately instead of investing it strategically in future-oriented sectors: “So far, the CDU/CSU and SPD have only offered headlines. Now it all comes down to the text of a coalition agreement. Above all, it must focus on existing and new infrastructure—on bridges and charging stations—on expanding the power grids, and on a competitive industrial electricity price. It is now crucial to set the right priorities so that jobs are secured for the long term and new ones are created. We will demand this loudly and clearly on Saturday.
Internal Survey Shows: Pressure on Jobs Is High
Employment in the metal and electrical industries remains under massive pressure, as an internal survey by IG Metall shows. Many workers are affected by widespread cuts to well-paid, collectively bargained industrial jobs. Across the country, employers have further plans for job cuts.
Regarding demands for large-scale job cuts, the union’s chairwoman, Christiane Benner, is clear: “We are delivering. Policymakers have recognized the gravity of the situation and want to take action. Now employers must also make a clear commitment to the region and its workers. We expect proactive corporate strategies that strive for innovation and growth, and that preserve and create jobs.” The union president made it clear that clear commitments to investment and job security must always be a prerequisite for negotiations.
Employees face very uncertain prospects for the future—and so do their families and regions. IG Metall will advocate for clear prospects and for confidence in our industrial base. “In light of these difficult developments, employees feel a strong need to fight publicly, loudly, and forcefully for the future of their jobs,” Benner continued.
NOTE: The maps showing job cuts are currently being updated. Please contact us for further information.
Details on the Day of Action
The day of action consists of five public rallies taking place simultaneously in Hanover, Stuttgart, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, and Leipzig. The rallies will begin at the symbolic time of 5 to 12. Several tens of thousands of participants are expected in total, including many members of IG BCE, which is supporting the day of action.
A diverse program lasting about two hours is planned, featuring speeches, video clips, live broadcasts, and creative activities. Members of the IG Metall Executive Board will each speak at one of the locations. The president of the IG BCE union, Michael Vassiliadis, will also speak. Well-known bands will provide musical entertainment during the last half-hour of the rallies.
Further information on the day of action: My Workplace. Our Industrial Nation. Our Future!
Overview:
Hanover
Jan Mentrup - 0511/1640 642
Keynote Speaker: Christiane Benner
Band: Madsen
Stuttgart
Julia Wahl - 0711/1658 173
Keynote speaker: Jürgen Kerner
Band: Max Herre and Joy Denalane
Cologne:
Mike Schürg - 0211/4548 4162
Keynote Speaker: Nadine Boguslawski
Band: Querbeat
Frankfurt am Main:
Uwe Stoffregen - 069/6693 3309
Keynote speaker: Hans-Jürgen Urban
Band: Die Toten Ärzte and Donots
Leipzig:
Markus Sievers - 030/2537 5045
Keynote speaker: Ralf Reinstädtler
Band: Gentleman
