PRESS RELEASE Works council elections begin – “Team IG Metall” champions secure and good jobs

Frankfurt am Main – Today, March 1, marks the start of works council elections—a crucial process for many millions of workers in Germany. In the sectors covered by IG Metall, nearly 4 million workers at around 14,000 companies are eligible to vote, with the election period ending on May 31 of this year.  

“These elections bring democracy to life and make it tangible. Taking action to improve working conditions and secure jobs is a powerful experience of democracy,” said Christiane Benner, First Chair of IG Metall, at the start of the election period. 

The works council elections are taking place during a challenging time for German industry. Within IG Metall’s organizational scope, this affects many sectors, particularly the automotive and mechanical engineering industries.  

Chairperson Benner emphasized the central role that works councils play during these times of upheaval: “Tens of thousands of works council members are there for employees every day, advocating for them and securing their future. Without works councils, everyone would be worse off—in the literal sense of the word. Company agreements and works council work ensure a good, fair working environment, now and in the future.” 

Under the slogan “Starkmachen,” the “IG Metall Team” is taking action in workplaces. Standing up for secure industrial jobs in Germany, job security, and an end to the relocations, closures, and threats currently plaguing German industry. Strengthening efforts for good and fair wages, for equality, and for healthy working conditions. Strengthening efforts for more co-determination in the workplace, for democracy in action and in practice, and for the strengthening of our society. Strengthening efforts for investment and innovation in Germany as an industrial hub. 

“Numerous studies demonstrate the positive effects that works councils have in companies. Their work must be supported and promoted, not hindered or even prevented, as happens far too often,” warns union leader Benner. 

For more information on works council elections and the work of works councils, visit the websites of IG Metall:https://www.igmetall.de/im-betrieb/betriebsrat and the Hans Böckler Foundation:https://www.boeckler.de/de/betriebsratswahlen.htm