Press Release No. 24/2018 IG Metall Calls for Legislation on Fixed-Term Part-Time Work and the Right to Return to Full-Time Work

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has called on the coalition parties to implement the right to fixed-term part-time work and the right to return to full-time work immediately after the government is formed. “These important legislative proposals have been part of a coalition agreement for five years—now for the second time. Nothing has happened so far; many women are still stuck in the part-time trap. That’s a damning indictment,” said Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8) on Wednesday in Frankfurt.

“The right to return to full-time work must finally be enshrined in law so that women have the same career opportunities as men. Those who work part-time involuntarily earn less and will also receive a significantly lower pension later on,” Benner emphasized. In IG Metall’s employee survey, 29 percent of part-time workers stated that their employer rejected their request to return to full-time work. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 1.44 million workers in Germany are involuntarily working part-time, primarily women. “Many employers complain about a shortage of skilled workers. Allowing part-time employees to return to full-time work can close this gap,” said the second chair of IG Metall.

Enact a Legal Right to Return to Full-Time Work

Another important milestone in the fight for equality is women’s right to vote. One hundred years ago, women in Germany secured the right to vote and to stand for election. This also applies to Germany’s second-largest democratic election—the works council elections taking place from March 1 through May 31. Benner called on all employees to exercise their right to vote: “For a modern working world, works council bodies and youth and apprentice representative bodies must also become more female-represented. Only then can there be equal opportunities for advancement, pay equity, and a better work-life balance. We will continue to push for this in the workplace.”