Press Release No. 17/2016 IG Metall: We need security, justice, and a self-determined life for everyone

Düsseldorf – Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall, has warned of the growing divide in society between the rich and the poor—in terms of wealth, income, working hours, and educational opportunities. “We need more solidarity for a society that enables security, justice, and a self-determined life for all,” Hofmann said in his May 1 speech on Sunday in Düsseldorf. “We must not succumb to the illusion of prosperity. Social disparities are greater than ever. They divide society and hinder economic growth.”

IG Metall will also take action against this undesirable trend in the current round of collective bargaining in the metal and electrical industries. “It is only fair that workers receive their deserved share,” said Hofmann. Private consumption accounts for the lion’s share of why the German economy is performing so well. Workers are the engine of the economy. That is why IG Metall’s demand for a 5 percent wage increase is absolutely necessary and reasonable. “We won’t be fobbed off with the employers’ provocative offer and will respond in the coming days with massive warning strikes,” said Hofmann.

Another key goal of the current collective bargaining campaign is to strengthen collective bargaining coverage. “Only 50 percent of workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The other 50 percent are not,” explained Hofmann. Workers in companies not covered by collective bargaining agreements usually have to work longer hours and earn about a quarter less. Only collective bargaining agreements ensure equitable distribution of wealth and guarantee workers a fair share of prosperity. “Employers who refuse to enter into collective bargaining agreements are playing dirty. We will counter this in the coming months with the strength of our membership and our determination,” Hofmann announced.

In the future, IG Metall will launch a campaign to advocate even more strongly than before for a new culture of working hours. Under the slogan “My Life – My Time,” IG Metall will advocate for new approaches to working-time policy. The goal is to create more choices for employees regarding their working hours and to set limits on unilateral flexibility. “We are still bound by rigid working-time models that date back to the last century,” Hofmann criticized. “Even—and especially—in the working world of the future—the digital, global working world—we need good jobs.” This includes ensuring that every hour worked is recorded and compensated. Mobile work must be regulated, and there must be more time for continuing education, the union leader demanded.

At the same time, the IG Metall chairman called for a change of course in pension policy—including stabilizing pension levels, strengthening the statutory pension insurance system, and expanding occupational pension plans. “What we definitely do not want is a longer working life, as Finance Minister Schäuble keeps fantasizing about. Working until age 70 is completely unrealistic for most employees,” said Hofmann.