Leipzig – Following the final tally and counting of all votes from this year’s works council elections, IG Metall is optimistic. At the union’s 5th Women’s Works Council Day, taking place in Leipzig from October 5 to 7 under the motto “Equality Shapes the Future,” these results from the elected women will be presented alongside workshops on various gender equality topics and a presentation by the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth.
A clear trend is emerging from the election results: Works councils within IG Metall’s organizational area are becoming more female-dominated. The proportion of women has risen to 24.5 percent (2018: 23.6 percent). This means that nearly a quarter of the committee members are women. The proportion of women eligible to vote stands at 20.8 percent, representing approximately one-fifth of the total. The works councils thus have a higher-than-average proportion of women.
The representation of women in leadership positions on the committees has also improved compared to the last election; 16.4 percent of works council chairs are now women (2018: 14.8 percent). Even better results are seen among deputy works council chairs, 21.0 percent of whom are now women (2018: 19.7 percent).
Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, expressed her satisfaction: “The results achieved by our female colleagues show just how much targeted support for women—and the resulting progress toward gender equality—pays off in terms of the impact of women’s work on works councils.”
In companies with a works council, women have a much better chance of balancing work and life, have better opportunities for advancement, and face a smaller pay gap. Within IG Metall’s organizational area, the proportion of women among employees has risen over the past ten years.
Benner continued: “The strong commitment of our female colleagues, along with opportunities for education, continuing education, and support—both on-site and online—have led to these strong election results. Ultimately, we all benefit from this. Good pay, career development opportunities, and work-life balance—especially in shift work—are much more of a priority when the proportion of women on works councils is higher. This makes employers more attractive and helps counteract the decline in the number of female applicants. IG Metall works council members are clearly focused on this and are well-positioned for the future.”
Companies with co-determination have greater gender equality
However, the steadily rising number of works councils with female members and female leaders is just one of many positive aspects of companies with co-determination. They also demonstrate a higher degree of gender equality. Collective bargaining agreements and company agreements lead to better conditions in terms of pay, working hours, and work-life balance. This makes targeted promotion of women more feasible—and leads to better results.
For a modern co-determination system—reform now!
Successful, modern co-determination requires a comprehensive, up-to-date Works Constitution Act. The federal government must finally get started on this. That would also help women and advance gender equality! After all, progress is being made. But we cannot yet speak of true equality between men and women.
The reform proposal for the Works Constitution Act, submitted by IG Metall and the DGB, aims to significantly improve the scope of action for works councils with co-determination rights. Among other things, it provides for an enforceable right to co-determination regarding training and co-determined measures to promote the balance between family and work.
Further information:
IG Metall’s 5th Women’s Works Council Day will take place from October 5 to 7 in Leipzig. Approximately 300 female works council members from across Germany will participate. On Thursday, October 6, Federal Minister Lisa Paus will give a brief presentation on gender equality policy issues. If you are interested in last-minute support or discussions with female workplace representatives, please let us know.
