Frankfurt am Main – On Labor Day, IG Metall calls on decision-makers in politics and business to quickly do everything necessary to ensure a sustainable economic recovery, secure existing jobs, and create new ones. “Jobs first, party politics second! Companies and workers now need a clear vision and a signal that the new government will tackle the key issues immediately. We need to restore confidence in the workplace and in society!” says IG Metall President Christiane Benner on the occasion of Labor Day.
Benner attributes the fact that the CDU/CSU and SPD have included key union demands in their coalition agreement to the resolute stance taken by workers: “We took to the streets to demand an industrial electricity price; we called for ‘A Future Instead of Cutbacks’ at our day of action; and we raised our voices over 80,000 times for good jobs in industry—and we see in the coalition agreement: It was worth it! That’s what we mean when, as the labor movement, we say on May 1, 2025: ‘Stand strong with us!’ As IG Metall, we are strong, loud, and united on May 1 and every day! For good, fair work, a future-proof industry, a stable welfare state, and a resilient democracy.”
Jürgen Kerner, Second Chair, calls for swift action in implementing the coalition agreement: “Announcements alone don’t save jobs. Workers want to see action now—and fast! An industrial electricity price and clear signals to stabilize the auto industry must be established before the summer recess.” Kerner is highly critical of employers: “Many haven’t learned anything new in decades. They’re doing exactly what was drummed into them at some point during their business studies: cutting costs, even if it costs the company’s future. That’s destroying our companies and industries! We will fight back against this. The employers’ lobby is once again digging deep into the neoliberal toolbox. It’s calling for deregulation—especially regarding working hours—more flexibility, and the erosion of workers’ rights. That didn’t work back in the 1980s either. We expect employers to commit to Germany as an industrial hub and to invest!”
IG Metall Chief Treasurer and Collective Bargaining Officer Nadine Boguslawski emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining agreements: “Strong workers, strong collective bargaining agreements, and strong democracy are mutually dependent. Anyone who wants and needs a stable democracy cannot do without democracy in action within workplaces and collective bargaining movements. For this, workers deserve respect and must not be subjected to any attacks by the employer lobby. Engagement in unions and for a better working world must play a much greater role in schools and society. We call on policymakers: Get to work as planned, finally support only companies that honor collective bargaining agreements—and keep your hands off the right to strike!”
IG Metall firmly rejects the claim that the supposedly generous welfare state stands in the way of economic recovery. The opposite is true, emphasizes Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member for Social Affairs: “The ecological transformation can only succeed if it is accompanied by a proactive and protective welfare state. The decarbonization of industry must be accompanied by an active employment policy, and pension, health, and long-term care insurance systems must be developed into universal insurance schemes for workers and citizens, into which everyone contributes. The current coalition agreement contains good starting points but also leaves many questions unanswered. The unions will press the incoming federal government to step up its efforts toward more active industrial and social policies.”
Ralf Reinstädtler, Executive Board Member for Education, warns of the consequences that dismantling the welfare state, co-determination, and union rights will have for democracy and a free society: “The days of whining are over. We expect companies to quickly set a course for the future and invest in modern facilities, sustainable products, and good, secure jobs for their employees. Every day, we stand up for good work, an open society, and a strong democracy. Economic transformation will only succeed if workers actively help shape it. It is therefore time to dare to bring more democracy into the workplace. This also strengthens social cohesion in our society.”
Information on the appearances by the chairperson and executive board members of IG Metall can be found here:https://www.igmetall.de/presse/termine
Speeches by the chairperson and executive board members of IG Metall on Labor Day 2025:
