Press Release Climate Transition and the Skilled Trades: IG Metall Calls for a “New Deal” to Combat Burdens

Frankfurt am Main – In light of the discussions surrounding heat pumps and gas heating systems, IG Metall is calling for greater commitment to the energy transition. Ralf Kutzner, executive board member of IG Metall: “A lack of understanding among policymakers and businesses undermines public acceptance of climate goals. If policymakers adopt binding climate protection measures, they must also ensure that everyone can afford these measures. That is why we need a ‘New Deal’ for the skilled trades and the people.” To this end, the IG Metall Federal Skilled Trades Conference adopted a resolution on Friday in Frankfurt outlining an action plan for homeowners and workers.

With regard to the Building Energy Act planned by the traffic-light coalition, the union is calling for a “coherent regulatory framework that encompasses the entire building.” This would include sufficient government subsidies based on social criteria. Ralf Kutzner: “In 2022, the building sector failed to meet climate targets for the third consecutive year. At the same time, skilled trades workers are feeling the frustration of the public. We cannot continue down this path.”

Specifically, the IG Metall Federal Skilled Trades Conference is calling for:

• Holistic Approach to Buildings: To achieve the necessary greenhouse gas reductions, the renovation rate of existing buildings—with a focus on facades, roofs, windows, doors, renewable energy, and electrical systems—must be doubled.
• Socially Just Insulation: The energy transition must not exacerbate the strained financial situation of renters and owners of single-family homes, especially since older people in particular cannot afford credit-financed renovations. The Federal Funding Program for Efficient Buildings (BEG) must cushion this impact.
• Promoting Good Jobs: When awarding government grants, it must be mandatory to contract with companies bound by collective bargaining agreements in order to counter the growing skilled labor shortage of 190,000 workers with incentives for skilled workers. “Dumping on working conditions is poison for everyone. Collective bargaining agreements are a key factor in the success of the energy transition,” said Ralf Kutzner.

IG Metall called on companies to do their part for the future of the skilled trades. “The negative image of the skilled trades is often self-inflicted. We need more worker participation, more and better training, and the right to continuing education,” demanded IG Metall Executive Board member Ralf Kutzner.

Note: The full text of the resolution is available for download here