Press Release No. 01/2016 IG Metall and ver.di Agree on Cooperation for Employees in Contract Logistics

Frankfurt am Main/Berlin – Through a cooperation agreement, IG Metall and the United Services Union (ver.di) have defined the respective responsibilities and, consequently, the scope of collective bargaining agreements for workers in contract logistics. “At the same time, we have created a solid foundation for closer cooperation between the two unions,” said Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall. ver.di President Frank Bsirske explained that the goal was “to prevent potential disagreements through coordination between the unions and to strengthen joint action in the interest of employees.” In a joint statement, ver.di and IG Metall cited “the improvement of working and pay conditions for employees in contract logistics” as the goal of the agreement. They aim to achieve this through high collective bargaining coverage and stable adherence to collective bargaining agreements.

The agreement sets out specific provisions regarding contract logistics for the automotive and vehicle manufacturing, steel, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries. Interconnected processes and the increasing integration of production and services require closer cooperation, a coordinated approach, and clear responsibilities from the unions, Hofmann said. “Together, we want to combat the misuse of contract-for-service agreements and ensure fair pay and good working conditions in the field of contract logistics and beyond,” said the IG Metall chairman.

“With the agreed-upon criteria regarding organizational jurisdiction, we have defined the scope of collective bargaining agreements and the responsibilities for providing on-site support to works councils and members. In doing so, we are strengthening the ability of both unions to shape the future. Clear responsibilities also provide a solid foundation for cooperation, which will become increasingly important in the future,” emphasized ver.di President Frank Bsirske.

Globalization, digitalization, and new forms of production organization are leading to profound structural changes in the economy and the world of work. “This also places new demands on the unions, which we intend to address together within the DGB,” explained Bsirske and Hofmann.