Become a member
  1. Press
  2. Press Releases
Automatic translation
This article has been translated automatically using computer technology. While we strive for accuracy, some wording or details may differ from those in the original article.
This translation was not manually reviewed. For important facts, quotations or legally sensitive information, please consult the German original. Individual selections, images, embedded media or technical terms may have been translated differently or incompletely.

PRESS RELEASE “FairTube”: IG Metall and YouTubers Union Agree to Collaborate

+++ Collaborative Project for Fair Working Conditions in the Video Crowdworking Sector +++

IG Metall, Mainforum, Gebäude, Fahnen
Foto: IG Metall

22 July 2019 22 July 2019

IG Metall and the internet movement “YouTubers Union” will collaborate in the future to improve conditions for all YouTubers who earn—or wish to earn—an income by uploading content to the video platform. Several thousand people in Germany alone now earn money, either as a full-time or part-time job, by producing videos for YouTube and receiving a share of the advertising revenue.

The “YouTubers Union” was founded by YouTuber Jörg Sprave in March 2018. The catalyst was YouTube’s decision in the spring of 2017 to change its rules regarding ad placements under pressure from advertisers. This led to dramatic losses in income for some YouTubers. The “YouTubers Union” (an online movement based on a Facebook group) now has more than 15,000 members. Among other things, the “YouTubers Union” is calling for ads to be allowed again on smaller YouTube channels, for direct and transparent communication between the platform and YouTubers, and for clear rules—both regarding the display of ads and the removal of individual videos or the suspension of entire channels.

IG Metall launched its “Crowdsourcing Project” in 2015. This project aims to improve working conditions on digital platforms. IG Metall is collaborating on the world’s only voluntary code of conduct, which has since been signed by nine platforms. At IG Metall’s initiative, an ombudsman’s office was established in November 2017 to resolve disputes on these platforms.

Jörg Sprave, founder of the “YouTubers Union”: “Being a YouTuber is only seemingly a dream job. In reality, you’re at the mercy of an all-powerful platform. An extremely high workload, financial insecurity, and sharp fluctuations in income are the harsh reality for ‘creators.’ It’s high time for change.”

Christiane Benner, Vice Chair of IG Metall: “Platforms like YouTube are constantly changing the rules to maximize profits. The interests of video producers are increasingly being sidelined in the process. Many YouTubers complain, among other things, about a lack of financial and social security, as well as poor communication with the platform. It is completely unclear what criteria are used to assign ads to videos and which videos are displayed in search results and automatic playlists. This needs to change urgently.”

Go to the English version

Subscribe to Press Releases