Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall celebrated its 125th anniversary at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. “125 years of IG Metall stand for the successful shaping of the world of work based on our values and union convictions. And 125 years of IG Metall also means 125 years of shaping the welfare state,” said Jörg Hofmann, First Chairman of IG Metall, at the celebratory event on Saturday in Frankfurt. Today’s welfare state is based in many respects on union policies that have become law—such as continued pay during sick leave, vacation entitlement, and working hours, which were first established through collective bargaining agreements and later enshrined in law. “We are proud of this pioneering role. Our responsibility has been and remains to further develop the world of work in a way that is safe, fair, and self-determined. That is why our aspirations extend beyond shaping new developments such as Industry 4.0. We are also focused on Work 4.0 and the Welfare State 4.0,” Hofmann emphasized.
When the German Metalworkers’ Association (DMV)—the largest predecessor organization of IG Metall—was founded in June 1891, self-assured workers in Frankfurt joined forces to fight together for a better working and living environment. The founding principle was the industry-wide approach, not the organization of a trade-specific union. “Then as now, the principle of collective bargaining unity stands at the forefront as a value we live by: one company, one union, one collective bargaining agreement,” said Hofmann.
Over the past decades, the political and economic “success model of the Federal Republic” would not have been possible without co-determination and an active welfare state. At the same time, Hofmann warned against succumbing to an illusion of prosperity. “Social disparities are far from being overcome—no, they are actually growing again.” A key issue of social justice is reflected in the degree of collective bargaining coverage. “Only about one in two employees in the metal and electrical industries works at a company covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This has massive implications for income, working hours, and vacation entitlements. That is why increasing collective bargaining coverage is a central goal.”
With an eye toward the upcoming digital revolution in the world of work, IG Metall wants to help shape it in the interests of workers. “In the future, the realignment of working time policy will play an important role—time at work, time for life. We must find solutions for predictable work schedules that everyone can plan around. Every hour worked must be recorded and compensated. And beyond that, we need more self-determined work schedules that allow for individual needs such as raising children, providing care, or pursuing professional development,” said Hofmann.
Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, welcomed Dr. Norbert Lammert, President of the German Bundestag, at the start of the event. “We are delighted that the President of the German Bundestag is delivering the keynote address. We see this as a sign of appreciation for our work.” The union leader also welcomed Federal Minister of Economics Sigmar Gabriel, the Mayor of Frankfurt am Main, Peter Feldmann, and Dr. Rainer Dulger, President of Gesamtmetall, to the IG Metall ceremony.
Benner thanked the nearly 2.3 million members for their tremendous commitment. “You are the heart, the strength, and the driving force of our movement.” Looking back on 125 years of IG Metall shows that “a better tomorrow is possible. Those who stand up for a cause together with others,” she said, “those who do not accept injustices as a given,” can bring about positive change. “We continue to need this optimism. Over the next 125 years, we want to continue contributing to a society in which decent work, social justice, and democratic participation are guaranteed for all—a society in which solidarity and humanity remain the values that shape our coexistence,” said the Second Chair of IG Metall.
