Berlin – IG Metall is calling on the federal government and employers to pursue a committed and reliable social policy. “The welfare state is worth more than it costs,” emphasized IG Metall Executive Board member Hans-Jürgen Urban at the union’s Welfare State Congress in Berlin. Over 200 works council members, as well as representatives from politics and academia, discussed the future of the welfare state and adopted an agenda for greater distributive justice and equal opportunities.
According to a representative survey of IG Metall members, 89 percent see major problems with the German welfare state. Only one in two (51%) is satisfied with their personal social security coverage. Above all, union members expect the state to ensure social peace and create equal opportunities (96% each), reward performance (95%), and support the vulnerable and those in need of protection (93%).
“The welfare state is not a burden, but an anchor of stability in times of change—economically, socially, and democratically. Anyone who weakens it jeopardizes social cohesion,” Urban explained. IG Metall therefore calls for a proactive social policy that guarantees security, participation, and justice.
IG Metall members call for solidarity-based financing by and with everyone
To ensure solid financing of the welfare state, IG Metall members expect all occupational groups to be included in social insurance (98%), a reform of the contribution assessment ceilings (89%), and a greater contribution from high-income earners and the wealthy (87%). For nearly two-thirds (62%), higher social security contributions or taxes would be acceptable if they were accompanied by better benefits.
At the heart of IG Metall’s demands is better protection against the threat of unemployment through short-time work and a stable and improved statutory pension. Urban emphasized that twelve months of unemployment benefits are insufficient in light of economic change. Those who have contributed for a long time must be better protected. Furthermore, the citizen’s income, as a social safety net, should not be undermined but rather developed into a solidarity-based basic income. IG Metall is calling for massive investments in social infrastructure—particularly in daycare centers, long-term care, and education. “Cuts have been made here for too long. Now is the time to invest in the future,” said Urban.
“No arbitrary caps on social security contributions”
Employers also have a responsibility. “Those who want and need economic transformation must secure employment and enable workers to gain the necessary qualifications,” said Urban. The union is calling for a right to initial vocational training for all young people, as well as a “Future Fund” for training. In addition, employers must contribute appropriately to the financing of the welfare state—through reliable and equally shared social security contributions. Urban: “Discussions about arbitrary caps on employers’ social security contributions must stop. Profit maximization must not come at the expense of social participation.”
Fundamentally, IG Metall calls for a fairer distribution of the burden. High incomes and large fortunes should contribute more to financing the welfare state. Urban also called for the repeal of the debt brake and higher tax subsidies for social security systems to effectively cover non-insurance-based benefits—such as the mothers’ pension in the pension insurance system.
“The welfare state is not a burden, but an investment in our shared future,” Urban summarized. “Now is the time to set a new course—toward security, justice, and social progress.”
Note: The text of the agenda adopted at the Welfare State Congress is available for download here.
Further information and press photos of Hans-Jürgen Urban
