Frankfurt – IG Metall will now become actively involved in the federal election campaign as a way to help secure jobs in Germany. The IG Metall Executive Board today adopted the demands with which the union intends to challenge the political parties and their candidates in the coming weeks.
“Industry is a crucial cornerstone of employment in our country. About eight million jobs in Germany depend directly on industry,” said Christiane Benner, IG Metall’s First Chairperson, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the executive board meeting. “The election campaign must not turn into a contest over who takes the most extreme stance on issues like migration or universal basic income. Rather, it must focus on the existential question of how we maintain industrial value creation, secure today’s jobs, and create new prospects for tomorrow’s workforce—how we shape our economy, our work, and our lives in a just, secure, and fair manner.”
Jürgen Kerner, Second Chair of IG Metall, emphasized: “Especially on issues like the energy transition and the need for investment—despite all the disagreements over the details—there is broad consensus. With the exception of a few stubborn ideologues and die-hard traditionalists, unions, industry associations, and the academic community agree in principle on what needs to be done. It is time for political parties of all stripes to agree on what these experts have long identified as necessary for industry and jobs—and to ensure solid financing for these measures. The next government must be a coalition dedicated to implementation. Otherwise, many good, collectively bargained, and fairly paid jobs will be lost.”
IG Metall’s key demands include, among other things, a faster expansion of renewable energy, a federal investment drive, and a socially oriented stimulus package to accelerate the ramp-up of electric mobility. IG Metall is convinced that reforming the debt brake is necessary to ensure solid financing for these essential measures. It is also necessary to expand labor market policy instruments, increase worker participation, strengthen collective bargaining coverage, and ensure secure pensions in order to provide stability in times of change.
IG Metall plans to vigorously continue its commitment to secure and quality jobs in industry even after the federal election. With a nationwide day of action, the union aims to draw politicians’ attention to future prospects and employment opportunities, particularly during the exploratory talks and coalition negotiations. The day of action is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, simultaneously in the five cities of Hanover, Leipzig, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. Tens of thousands of participants are expected.
The full list of demands regarding the federal election can be downloaded here.
