Press Release No. 09/2017 IG Metall Calls for Fixed-Term Part-Time Work and the Right to Return to Full-Time Work

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has called for the right to fixed-term part-time work and the right to return to full-time work. The right to return from part-time to full-time work is included in the coalition agreement and must therefore be implemented now without further delay. “The legislative initiative by Federal Labor Minister Andrea Nahles is an important building block for a modern family and work-time policy. A modern part-time work law is long overdue,” said Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8) on Tuesday in Frankfurt.

In Germany, more than 10.3 million people—the majority of whom are women—are now employed part-time. Many of them remain trapped in the part-time trap throughout their working lives and complain that they are overlooked when it comes to training opportunities and career advancement. “Instead of an antiquated view of part-time work, we need work-time models that correspond to the different life stages of employees,” said Benner.

The union leader also called on companies to increase their investment in innovative work-time models: “Employers should finally understand that, especially in times of digital transformation and a shortage of skilled workers, they need to offer their employees something. Flexibility must not be a one-way street. Innovative work-time models benefit both sides.” Combating the part-time trap is an important tool for achieving gender equality. Findings from a recent OECD study show that government measures such as parental benefits and parental leave promote partnership-based relationships.

Benner also expressed concern about statements made by right-wing populist politicians in Germany, Europe, and the U.S. that call into question gender equality. A clear stand must be taken against this backward-looking thinking. “Reactionary policies that seek to push women back into their traditional roles and limit their potential have no place in the 21st century,” Benner emphasized.