Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall is calling on policymakers and employers to invest decisively now in greater social security, economic stability, and a fair distribution of burdens in Germany. “In times of war, a pandemic, and the looming threat of climate change, uncertainty among workers is immense,” said Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall, on the occasion of Labor Day on May 1. “Strong unions, a government capable of taking action, and employers who live up to their fundamental responsibilities have perhaps never been as crucial as they are today for the country’s future and stability.”
Lower Energy Costs, Higher Wages
Hofmann urges that the burdens of the crises be distributed fairly and in a spirit of solidarity. This includes further tangible relief on energy costs and fair collective bargaining agreements that safeguard purchasing power and stimulate the economy. After all, companies have generally been able to pass on the rising prices of recent weeks and months to their customers. Consumers do not have this option. “As a result, companies have been able to rake in hefty profits despite economic uncertainties. This must and will be reflected in our collective bargaining agreements this year. Anything else would be unfair and economically unreasonable,” said Jörg Hofmann.
The Debt Brake Is a Brake on the Future
Beyond addressing the immediate crisis, we must not lose sight of the long-term, climate-just transformation of industry. This transformation must be shaped in a socially, environmentally, and democratically responsible manner. “Specifically, this means: no layoffs during the transformation, a sustainable outlook for future-proof jobs at the affected locations, and a push for skills development and quality training on-site,” said Jörg Hofmann. To give workers a sense of hope for the future, public investment of 500 billion euros will be needed by 2030. In light of these challenges, Hofmann calls on policymakers to move beyond ideological projects such as the debt brake. “The debt brake is, in reality, a brake on the future.”
Solidarity with the Ukrainian People
For the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, the unions are once again marking Labor Day on May 1 this year with large demonstrations, as well as numerous rallies and May Day speeches throughout Germany. Labor Day is overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. “In light of the terrible suffering that the war in Ukraine has already caused, we trade unionists and unions are taking to the streets and squares of this republic this May 1 to demonstrate loudly against Russia’s abhorrent war of aggression, which violates international law,” Hofmann makes clear. “Peace, justice, solidarity—these union values are more relevant today than ever.”
Additional statements from the executive board members of IG Metall for editorial use:
Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall:
“If we want to achieve our climate goals, strengthen our industrial base, and secure jobs, we can only do so by working together. We, the unions, stand for solidarity and cooperation. Together, especially this year on May 1, we want to send a clear message in support of a just—and above all, peaceful—future. We union members want to shape a fair transition—socially, ecologically, and democratically—together with the workers.”
Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall:
“We stand for social justice, peace, and gender equality. The ecological transformation of our working world costs a lot of money. In addition, with prices rising dramatically—especially for energy and food—we need further financial compensation for workers. Especially in difficult times, those with greater means must shoulder a heavier burden. That is why we are calling for an increase in the inheritance tax, the reintroduction of the wealth tax (with exemptions), and higher taxes on investment income. Everyone must benefit from economic progress, not just the ultra-rich who use billions to establish digital monopolies.”
Jürgen Kerner, Chief Treasurer of IG Metall:
“The COVID-19 crisis and the criminal war in Ukraine have shown us the hard way: The neoliberal promise of salvation has failed. In the healthcare sector, true hard workers toil under lousy working conditions and are often poorly paid. We are dependent on Russian energy and on raw materials from mostly undemocratic countries. Risks were ignored here out of greed for profit. It is time for a socio-ecological transition. This requires investment, a government capable of taking action, greater worker participation in decision-making, and a social system that guarantees security amid change. We must seize the opportunity presented by the energy and transportation transitions: Germany can become a leader in sustainable future technologies for the steel, electrical, rail, and aviation industries and create new, high-quality jobs in these sectors.”
Wolfgang Lemb, Executive Board Member of IG Metall:
“The challenges facing companies, works council members, and society as a whole are enormous. Employees and their representative bodies must be able to help shape the strategic direction of their workplaces in times of digital transformation, ecological restructuring, and the consequences of the escalating energy supply crisis in workplaces and companies. That is why we need more worker participation in the workplace. Daring to make more progress—especially in these times when so much is at stake—must also mean daring to embrace more co-determination.”
Ralf Kutzner, Executive Board Member of IG Metall:
“For us, May 1 is not just a tradition; it also demonstrates our determination to shape the future. The value of work must not be sacrificed, especially in a time of such profound change. That is why we must significantly strengthen collective bargaining coverage and worker participation, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.”
Irene Schulz, Executive Board Member of IG Metall:
“Especially during times of transformation and crisis, the following holds true: Co-determination is democracy in action. Co-determination is the key to shaping the future of industry, our jobs, and our regions. Shaping the future together is only possible with the employees.”
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member of IG Metall:
“In light of the Russian army’s war of aggression against Ukraine, solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the Russian peace movement is our top priority. But one thing is also clear: It is not arms races, but public investment in a modern welfare state and the indispensable socio-ecological transformation that offer promising solutions to the problems of our time. Focusing on abstract sums, such as the planned special fund for the Bundeswehr amounting to 100 billion euros, makes no sense. Trade unionists reject both enshrining this in the Basic Law and NATO’s two-percent target.”
