Press Release No. 11/2013 IG Metall Youth Launches Campaign for Fundamental Education Reform “Education Revolution”

Frankfurt/Main – IG Metall has called for a fundamental education reform. “The education system is coming under increasing criticism in light of declining quality for all, rising costs for individuals, and growing social inequality,” said Detlef Wetzel, Second Chairman of IG Metall, on Saturday in Frankfurt. “We need a model that enables lifelong learning, with the right to continuing education and paid leave for professional development.”

A child’s background still has a significant impact on their social and professional future. 83 percent of children whose parents have a college degree go on to pursue a college degree themselves, compared to just 23 percent of children of non-college graduates. Despite a shortage of skilled workers, companies invest a meager 0.7 percent of labor costs in continuing education and training. Stress in the education system is increasing at the expense of quality because the duration of education at schools and universities is being shortened more and more. The dropout rate has risen from 25 percent in 2006 to 35 percent today, Wetzel criticized.

In the coming months, the IG Metall youth wing will put pressure on policymakers with its “Revolution in Education” campaign in the run-up to the federal elections. “Education spending is not a cost factor, but an investment in our future. This means that the government must invest more in education, but it also means that the business community must assume greater financial responsibility,” said Eric Leiderer, IG Metall’s Federal Youth Secretary, at the kickoff event attended by 350 young activists. “Education is the central issue for young people. They recognize IG Metall as highly competent on the topic of education,” Leiderer said.

IG Metall’s youth wing will soon publicly present its demands in an education manifesto and drive home its message in a more forceful manner through various actions, such as the one held Saturday evening in downtown Frankfurt. “Politicians have failed in recent years. They have allowed more and more people to be left behind,” Leiderer criticized. “We want to change that and are launching our new campaign, ‘Revolution in Education.’”