Press Release Skilled Trades Union Expects Targeted Investments and a Dialogue on the Future from the Black-Red Coalition

Frankfurt am Main – On behalf of the two million skilled trades workers represented by IG Metall, the union is calling for the targeted use of the approved investment package. “We must ensure the long-term viability of skilled trades businesses, inspire skilled workers, and retain them in the skilled trades sector. Policymakers must now create reliable framework conditions,” states a resolution adopted on Friday in Frankfurt.

The 140 participants at the Federal Skilled Trades Conference and the IG Metall employee vice presidents of the chambers of skilled trades emphasize that improved infrastructure benefits both industry and the skilled trades sector. The future coalition must address key issues such as the energy transition, sustainable economic management, digitalization, co-determination, collective bargaining coverage, and securing a skilled workforce. To ensure the best possible implementation, IG Metall is calling for a new “dialogue on the future” between the federal government, employers, and unions.

Nadine Boguslawski, IG Metall’s Executive Board Member for Collective Bargaining and Skilled Trades, said on Saturday: “A sustainable skilled trades sector also needs the special fund agreed upon by the future federal government. It is important that the 500 billion euros be invested in a targeted manner and in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. The country needs a fundamental overhaul and a clear path toward modern, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy, charging and grid infrastructure, and electric mobility. The skilled trades will also benefit from the expansion of industrial infrastructure—from suppliers to electrical contracting firms to carpentry shops and metalworking shops. Politicians and employers must ensure the long-term viability of skilled trades businesses and their employees. We stand ready to continue the dialogue on the future to ensure a successful transition and good working conditions.”

Resolution of the IG Metall Federal Skilled Trades Conference and the Employee Vice Presidents of the Chambers of Skilled Trades within IG Metall