Press Release Ralf Kutzner: Digitalization must not be left solely to employers

Dortmund – On May 1, IG Metall called for a socially just and equitable future of work and urged that the social dimension in Europe be strengthened. “Many people are afraid they will no longer be able to keep up with the pace and new technologies. Contrary to what has often been promised, digitalization does not ease the burden on workers; on the contrary, it often leads to more stress,” said Ralf Kutzner, executive board member of IG Metall, in his speech at the DGB’s May Day rally in Dortmund.

Co-determination and collective bargaining agreements are indispensable for the ecological and digital transformation of industry and skilled trades. Kutzner reaffirmed IG Metall’s commitment to helping shape this transformation process: “If we leave structural change solely to employers, the only result will be rationalization.” At the #FairWandel rally on June 29 in Berlin, IG Metall will call on policymakers and companies to take action and demonstrate in support of an industrial transformation guided by social, environmental, and democratic standards.

Kutzner also calls for strengthening Europe as a social space. “For too long, the interests of corporations have taken precedence over those of workers. Only now are people realizing that social issues play a central role in holding Europe together,” said Kutzner. He is convinced that the order of the day is not less Europe, but more Europe. Brexit and the rise of right-wing populists and nationalists show that European unity is not a given. “The EU stands for peace and is the answer to many of today’s challenges. Globalization, climate change, and digitalization do not stop at any national border,” said Kutzner.

Speech by Ralf Kutzner on May 1, 2019

Further information

Unions are demonstrating on May 1 for a social Europe and a fair transition