Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall is demanding a 6 percent increase in wages and apprenticeship stipends for the approximately 3.9 million employees in the metal and electrical industries, effective for a period of 12 months. In addition, IG Metall aims to secure an individual right to reduce the weekly workweek to up to 28 hours for a period of up to 24 months. The union’s executive board approved this decision on Thursday in Frankfurt.
“This demand takes into account the industry’s excellent economic situation; it strengthens domestic demand and contributes to stabilizing the economy,” said Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall. At the same time, he noted, the individual right to reduce working hours represents a genuine choice and thus a measure of freedom and control over one’s own life. “The goal is greater self-determination regarding working hours. Making working hours more flexible in companies must not continue to be at the expense of employees alone; it must also benefit them,” said Hofmann.
Modern and attractive options for shaping one’s own working hours are particularly needed to secure a skilled workforce. “Employers who refuse to adopt modern working-time tools today will find themselves without skilled workers tomorrow. Collective bargaining-based entitlements to flexible working hours tailored to employees’ needs are important tools for combating the shortage of skilled workers,” Hofmann emphasized.
The proposal regarding working hours stipulates that employees will be able to reduce their regular working hours to up to 28 hours per week for two years without having to provide a reason. After that period, employees are entitled to return to their original working hours. This is to apply to all collective bargaining regions in western and eastern Germany. Employees who reduce their working hours to care for children under the age of 14 in their household or to care for family members are to receive a fixed subsidy of 200 euros if they reduce their weekly working hours by at least 3.5 hours or more.
Employees working shifts or under other working time arrangements that are harmful to their health who exercise their option to reduce their annual working hours (shifts) are also to receive a wage supplement. It is to amount to 750 euros per year. “This makes reducing working hours a realistic option even for lower-income earners,” said Hofmann.
In addition to the demands regarding pay and working hours, IG Metall intends to address the following issues in the negotiations:
The reduction in working hours must not lead to increased pressure to perform. Therefore, it is recommended to also discuss staffing adjustments with employers.
In addition, the goal is to ensure that apprentices and dual-track students receive one paid day off per exam to prepare for their exams.
For the collective bargaining areas in the eastern German states, IG Metall aims to secure a binding commitment to negotiate a process for harmonizing wages, working hours, and working conditions.
Negotiations will begin on November 15–16 in the collective bargaining areas. The collective bargaining agreements and the no-strike clause expire on December 31, 2017.
