Press Release No. 34/2010 IG Metall Calls for a Change of Course in Politics and the Economy – Fall Campaigns Intensified

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has reaffirmed its call for a change of course in politics and the economy and plans to expand its fall activities to that end. Although the crisis appears to be over, nothing has been learned from it. “There has been no change of course so far. The prevailing attitude is ‘business as usual.’ We cannot accept that,” said Berthold Huber, President of IG Metall, on Monday in Frankfurt. The federal government is placing the burden of the crisis on the wrong people. The wealthy and the rich are being spared, while the broad working classes are forced to shoulder the costs of the crisis.

During the economic upswing, employers are relying on precarious working conditions and the division of the workforce, and politicians are not preventing this. “We need equal pay for temporary workers and statutory minimum wages in many industries. So far, our calls have fallen on deaf ears in Berlin. That is why we are stepping up the pressure on this issue,” said Huber. With its fall campaign “Change of Course—Together for a Good Life,” the union is focusing on sustained political action. “Changing social and political majorities is the proverbial task of drilling through thick boards,” Huber emphasized. Ultimately, the will for change must also be reflected in voting decisions.

Through more than 2,200 actions—mostly at the workplace level—IG Metall aims to reach approximately 1.5 million workers within its membership base. This makes it possible for more people to participate than would be the case at a large-scale demonstration in Berlin, said Detlef Wetzel, second chair of IG Metall. “We’ve decided to create a very broad and large platform for action in this decentralized way because a change of course cannot be achieved with a one-day demonstration.” The goal is to create sustainability and stability, set the agenda, and stay close to the people. This approach is proving successful. The majority of the population supports the union’s demands. “The government is currently pursuing policies that go against the interests of the majority of the people. We call on them: Make policies that work for the people,” said Wetzel.