Frankfurt am Main – On Labor Day, IG Metall is calling for clear prospects for workers, companies, and society. Investment is the order of the day to create clear prospects and commitments.
More and more often, the union and its members must defend themselves against relocations and downsizing plans. A lack of investment and a lack of strategy on the part of companies are becoming increasingly evident. This is not only confirmed by surveys of works councils, but is also evident from closures, relocations, and related plans.
“Companies must take responsibility! Short-sighted downsizing plans and a lack of confidence in the industrial base and its workers are cowardly. This not only weakens workers and the economy but also sends a disastrous signal to society as a whole,” says IG Metall President Christiane Benner. “The foundations are there: our smart workers, our innovative companies in industry and skilled trades, and our dual vocational training system. They all need to be able to see a plan for the future. Clear prospects ensure prosperity, growth, and democracy.”
Christiane Benner calls for greater commitment from policymakers and businesses: “Workers deserve security and prospects. They are smart, hardworking, and motivated; they help shape change and weather crises. They are right to demand clear prospects for the future!”
Expanding Industrial Policy
The massive transformation of our economy is comparable to the industrialization of the 19th century. “Ecological transition, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, global developments—we must shape these,” states Second Chair Jürgen Kerner, calling for a consistent industrial policy. “Massive investments—for example, in charging stations and hydrogen networks—are essential; therefore, the debt brake must be abolished. Germany’s competitive disadvantages—particularly high energy costs—must be offset. We need the bridge electricity price for energy-intensive industries. Companies must be held accountable in this regard: Those who receive government support must pay the standard rate and secure locations and jobs in Germany.” Under no circumstances should the industry’s transition toward climate neutrality and digitalization fail due to the ideological stubbornness of individual parties, Kerner warns, emphasizing: “All parties in the federal government and in state governments must finally take responsibility and develop viable solutions for the challenges and financing of the transformation.”
For a Strong, United Europe
The union is calling on people to vote in the European elections on June 9. As many people as possible should go to the polls and cast their vote for a democratic Europe.
Benner: “Key decisions about what our jobs will look like tomorrow and the day after tomorrow are also made in Brussels. A strong Europe that stands together in solidarity creates the right conditions for this.”
The federal government bears the responsibility for ensuring that European directives and regulations are implemented swiftly. Here, IG Metall is pushing for faster and more consistent enforcement of, for example, the directive on the minimum wage and collective bargaining coverage.
No Attacks on the Right to Strike
Nadine Boguslawski, chief treasurer of IG Metall, sends a clear message to employers and political forces seeking to weaken unions by changing the right to strike: “Those who fight for collective bargaining agreements are fighting for the future. Those who evade collective bargaining agreements deny security and prospects. Those who attack the right to strike endanger a valuable pillar of democracy. Without collective bargaining coverage, transformation cannot succeed. Collective bargaining agreements are the foundation for justice, respect, and secure jobs.”
The welfare state is worth more than it costs
Investments in industry and the economy must not be pitted against social concerns, the union demands. A strong welfare state provides security during times of change and beyond working life. Hans-Jürgen Urban, the executive board member responsible for social policy, says: “The task of the century—social and ecological transformation—must not leave anyone behind. Everyone needs prospects for the future. Otherwise, society risks falling apart, and right-wing populism is likely to continue gaining support. To achieve this, society must expand social security and solidarity. Sustainable policy requires investment in a future-proof industry and a strong welfare state.”
Economic Transformation Requires More Co-determination
Ralf Reinstädtler, executive board member of IG Metall, emphasizes the central role of worker participation in this transformation: “For a fair and socially just transformation, we need more worker participation. Employees should be able to have a say in the strategic direction of companies through works councils. We don’t want to be forced to react only after employers have missed the boat on the future! We want a say—in working conditions, in training, and in the products of tomorrow. That is democracy in action, and it secures jobs! Unions need digital access to workplaces. The digital lockout must finally come to an end.”
Further information:
This year, May 1st is being held under the slogan “Higher Wages, Greater Security, More Free Time” for the DGB’s member unions. On this day, workers in Germany and around the world take to the streets to defend their rights.
Information on the appearances of the chairperson and executive board members of IG Metall can be found here: /vorstand/en/presse/termine
