Press Release No. 45/2011 Detlef Wetzel: Work—safe and fair—that is and remains our goal

Karlsruhe – IG Metall has reaffirmed its call for the regulation of temporary agency work. “We need a new order in the labor market. Work—secure and fair—that is and remains our goal,” said Detlef Wetzel, Second Chairman of IG Metall, addressing the delegates at the 22nd Regular Union Congress on Monday in Karlsruhe. Temporary work is being misused to drive down wages and divide the workforce. “We don’t want a two-tier society in the workplace,” Wetzel demanded.

Through the “Equal Work—Equal Pay” campaign, temporary workers and permanent employees have achieved a great deal. “We have put the abuse of temporary work on the political agenda in Germany,” the union leader emphasized. IG Metall’s goal is to prevent, limit, and socially regulate temporary work. In over 1,200 companies, improved working conditions have been secured—often in conflict with employers.

Wetzel announced that IG Metall would continue to work toward the future of the younger generation. “Anyone who wants a good, functioning society must give young people a secure future,” Wetzel insisted. IG Metall will send a first signal in the upcoming collective bargaining round by demanding permanent employment following vocational training.

“We must sustain the turnaround in membership,” Wetzel said. To this end, additional funds would be made available through an investment fund. Other membership development tools, such as re-engagement management and dialogue marketing, have already proven effective and are contributing to a positive membership trend.

In its workplace policy, IG Metall must address new issues. These include work-life balance. “This will be one of the major challenges of the coming years and a key factor in achieving greater gender equality in our country,” said Wetzel.

Another challenge lies in reconciling economic and environmental requirements to safeguard the climate, secure employment, and protect business locations. A company’s capacity for innovation is the decisive factor. It ensures long-term survival in a competitive market and helps achieve good working conditions. “The capacity for innovation and good working conditions are the result of comprehensive participatory processes that place the workforce at the center,” the Second Chair noted.