Press Release No. 22/2017 IG Metall Welcomes Proposal for “Family Work Hours”

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has welcomed the proposal for “family work hours” announced yesterday by Family Affairs Minister Manuela Schwesig. Under the plan, parents of young children and family caregivers would be given the opportunity to reduce their working hours for two years and receive a family allowance of 150 euros per month.

“This step is a step in the right direction. Parents and people who care for their relatives usually fulfill key social responsibilities while under significant personal strain. It is long overdue that they receive financial support during this phase when they reduce their working hours. However, money alone is not enough to improve their situation. They must have a binding right to have a say not only in the length of their work hours but also in their scheduling and distribution. This can only be regulated through collective bargaining—and that is exactly what we are addressing,” said Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall, on Tuesday in Frankfurt.

“Ms. Schwesig’s proposal promotes a fair, partnership-based division of responsibilities between women and men. Today, the rule is usually that whoever earns less stays at home and takes on the task of raising the children or caring for relatives. The concept of family-friendly working hours gives families a measure of genuine freedom of choice,” said Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall.