DIGITAL PRESS KIT IG Metall calls for a job initiative by companies and policymakers to combat deindustrialization

Frankfurt am Main – In the year of the federal election, IG Metall is calling on employers and the future federal government to secure industrial jobs for the long term through public and private investment. “Our opposition to deindustrialization will be loud and clear. Our commitment to new and sustainable jobs will be resolute,” said Christiane Benner, First Chair of IG Metall, at the union’s annual press conference.

IG Metall now expects companies and policymakers to launch a job creation initiative. “For every job lost, a new one must be created. Everyone must now do their part to keep value creation in the country while simultaneously attracting new jobs and industries,” said Benner, referring to future technologies such as semiconductors, battery recycling, and renewable energy.

Local Content Strategy for Resilience, Climate Protection, and Employment

Jürgen Kerner, Second Chair of IG Metall, called for more industrial value creation in Europe: “For all industrial products marketed in Europe, there must be a mandatory proportion of European components. We are calling for a European local-content strategy: Anyone who views Europe as a market must also bear a proportionate responsibility for employment in Europe. For example, if Chinese or U.S. automakers want to sell their cars in Europe, they must be required to manufacture them in Europe using European components. This is how we reduce dependencies and strengthen resilience, climate protection, and, above all, employment. The new federal government must take action in Brussels to push for such a local-content strategy.”

In addition, IG Metall expects a massive investment program from the next federal government and from companies. “We must defend and rebuild our technological leadership, tap into new growth markets, and thereby secure prosperity and good jobs,” Kerner demanded. He called on employers to take on more responsibility: “When it comes to restructuring industry, we are partners; when it comes to downsizing, we are resolute opponents.”

Nadine Boguslawski , Executive Board Member for Collective Bargaining and Chief Treasurer, urged employers to honor collective bargaining agreements: “Collective bargaining agreements are an active means of crisis prevention and crisis management. Anyone who attacks the ‘collective bargaining agreement’ seal of quality will only provoke our resistance.” The high turnout for the warning strike in 2024 is both a sign of trust and a mandate: for a job creation campaign through a self-assured collective bargaining policy that serves as a safety net for workers. “Our strike fund is well-stocked, and we are ready to strike at any time. We will stop them from shirking their responsibilities,” said Boguslawski.

A More Intense Struggle for Social Security

IG Metall has seen an increase in legal disputes with employers. Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member for Social Affairs: “In 2024, we resolved approximately 30 percent more cases before the labor, social, and administrative courts than in the previous year. The cause certainly also lies in an increasingly aggressive policy of cutbacks and layoffs.” The good news, however, is that union members can rely on strong legal protection, especially in turbulent times. Approximately 104 million euros have been secured for the members.

Instead of dismantling the welfare state, Urban called for its restructuring and expansion. “The welfare state cannot remain as it is. But our restructuring also means building up a social infrastructure, not dismantling it,” said Urban. Social security for all is not a burden on value creation and progress, but an indispensable prerequisite for trust in politics and a stable democracy. For example, anyone who wants skilled workers must train and qualify them—or provide daycare for their children.

More Co-determination for Better Working Conditions and a Better Future

Ralf Reinstädtler, Executive Director of Education, pointed to rising participation in union seminars for works council members, shop stewards, and continuing education mentors in approximately 200 companies: “Employees must exercise their rights to co-determination and be able to help shape working conditions and future prospects in their workplaces on an equal footing.”

To this end, Reinstädtler called on a new federal government to make substantial progress on co-determination: for example, a right for works councils to have a say in strategic decisions, an enforceable right to a reconciliation of interests during corporate restructuring, and an expanded right of initiative for works councils regarding training programs. Those who initiate works council elections deserve special protection.

Reinstädtler expects to ensure the continued existence of the regional transformation networks funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action beyond the year 2025. These networks bring together companies, employees, unions, continuing education providers, and academia to preserve and create local value and jobs. “Transformation can only succeed with concrete local strategies that preserve employment and promote new, quality jobs,” said Reinstädtler. Regional solutions are crucial for this transformation to facilitate the transition from one job to another.

Moderate Membership Growth

At the turn of the year 2024/2025, IG Metall had 2.1 million members, making it once again the strongest union in Germany. With a 4.5 percent increase in 2024, the proportion of members in the white-collar sector rose to one-quarter. Among apprentices, IG Metall recorded a 5.1 percent increase. However, job cuts in the metal and electrical industries, combined with demographic trends, resulted in a moderate overall decline of 1.9 percent.

Background information on the annual press conference