Press Release No. 58/2015 Jürgen Kerner: IG Metall has full financial autonomy

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall has further improved its financial situation over the past four years. “For the fifth year in a row, we’re seeing an increase in membership,” said Jürgen Kerner, chief treasurer of IG Metall, on Monday at the union convention in Frankfurt. IG Metall’s strong financial position has also been bolstered by favorable collective bargaining outcomes and sound financial management. Membership dues revenue is expected to rise to 532 million euros this year. IG Metall’s strength is rooted in strong support within workplaces and the volunteer work carried out locally at administrative offices. Local branch funds have grown to 260 million euros.

Kerner emphasized that IG Metall is fully capable of acting: “We are managing our finances soundly—with strict risk control.” Building on its strong financial position, IG Metall is also moving forward with its strategic projects. These include improved training for full-time and workplace officials. In October 2014, IG Metall decided to construct a training facility on the Frankfurt University campus in close cooperation with the European Academy of Labor, the City of Frankfurt, and the State of Hesse. “Our House of Labor is being built right next to the House of Finance,” Kerner announced.

In addition, new strategies for member recruitment are to be expanded. “That is why we have allocated more funds for membership development in recent years,” Kerner explained. An investment fund was introduced in 2012. New membership development projects in the districts are financed through this investment fund and supplemented with additional funds. IG Metall will invest an additional 190 million euros in membership work over the next nine years, Kerner announced.