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Eine junge Frau blickt durch ein gerolltes Blatt Papier.

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Most-Read Advice Articles

Zwei Arbeiter machen eine Kaffeepause

Guide: Tips for Restful and Effective Breaks Take a break!

Just a few minutes can often make a difference: To get through the workday as fit and stress-free as possible, you should take regular breaks. We offer tips on how to make the most of your time.

Kfz-Mechaniker von Grippe erwischt

Guide to Reporting Sick Leave Unable to work due to illness: What you need to know

Anyone who is unable to work due to illness must comply with many requirements. However, there are various misconceptions circulating about these requirements. We answer the most important questions regarding sick leave—and explain in which cases you can obtain a sick note from your doctor over the phone.

Eine junge Ärztin nimmt mit einem Wattestäbchen einen Abstrich aus dem Mund einer Patientin.

Guide to Doctor’s Visits Can I go to the doctor during work hours?

Even though almost everyone does it: According to the law, going to the doctor during work hours is only permitted in exceptional cases. This also applies when working from home. When am I allowed to do this? And can my pay be reduced for that time?

Junge Frau liegt mit Halsbandage auf dem Sofa und zappt mit der Fernbedienung

Guide On sick leave—what am I allowed to do?

Meeting friends, exercising, doing light work—being on sick leave doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stay home and stay in bed. However, it’s often unclear what’s allowed when you’re on sick leave. It depends on the individual case.

Gleichstellung, Frau, Job

Guide to Everyday Work Life Conflicts with Difficult Colleagues

Whether at work or in your personal life, you shouldn’t let conflicts simmer—instead, address them openly and objectively. We offer tips on how to successfully deal with difficult coworkers.

Geschäftsfrau vor Computer-Bildschirm im Büro in der Nacht

FAQ: Overtime Overtime—Know Your Rights

Do I have to work overtime? Am I entitled to overtime pay? What if my employer doesn’t pay me for the extra work? Labor lawyer Dr. Till Bender answers the most important questions about overtime—and explains what employees need to keep in mind.

Hitze am Arbeitsplatz

Summer Heat Guide What to Do When It’s Hot at Work?

More and more often, the thermometer is hitting the 30-degree mark, making work in the office or on the factory floor a real ordeal. We explain whether employees are allowed to stop working and offer tips for hot days at work.

Wanderer macht eine Pause

Vacation Request The most important questions and answers about vacation requests

When do I have to request my vacation? Can my employer deny it? Labor lawyer Dr. Till Bender answers the most important questions about vacation—and explains what employees need to keep in mind.

5 Good Reasons to Join IG Metall

Working together for good jobs and a good life.

Beschäftigte machen zur Metall-Tarifrunde 2024 Druck für ihre Forderungen

Collective bargaining agreements—our strongest benefit

Our collective bargaining agreements set standards. They regulate income, working hours, vacation time, and premium pay, as well as the right to permanent employment after completing an apprenticeship. We are committed to ensuring that employees share in the success of their companies.
Eine Frau und ein Mann winken aus einem Bauwagen an dem eine IG Metall-Fahne hängt.

On-site for You

Dedicated works council members and shop stewards in the workplaces, along with over 150 local offices throughout Germany: We provide our members with competent local contacts. Anyone who joins IG Metall can count on effective support and excellent service.
Metaller mit roter IG Metall-Kappe, Regencape und Lautsprecher.

Have a say and make a difference

Anyone affected by regulations and working conditions should also have a say in shaping them. IG Metall helps establish works councils and also provides financial support to its members if collective bargaining disputes lead to strikes.
Eine Statue der Justitia wird von der Sonne angestrahlt.

Our Legal Protection

When it comes to correct job classification or reviewing employment contracts and pension notices, we’re here to offer advice and assistance. In the event of disputes, we provide our members with free legal advice and representation in court—through all levels of the judicial system if necessary. (Photo: iStock / querbeet)
Mit Flatterband abgesperrtes Werkstor.

Support During Strikes

If a strike becomes necessary, members are entitled to strike pay. Example: With an average monthly dues payment of 20 euros and 5 years of membership, strike pay amounts to 280 euros per week. (Photo: Stephen Petrat)
Landkarte mitmarkern für Geschäftsstellen
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Advice, Service, Help

Any questions? Contact your local IG Metall office for more information.

new on igmetall.de
Aktionstag bei Mercedes Benz, Daimler, in Sindelfingen gegen die Angriffe auf Beschäftigten in der Automobilindustrie.
Resistance to Attempts at Drastic Cuts Auto industry workers issue a warning

Employees at VW, Mercedes-Benz, and other automakers and suppliers are giving their corporate bosses a rough fall. They will no longer allow themselves to be made scapegoats when management mistakes are the cause of the crisis. A nationwide day of action is scheduled for September 21.

Sie wollen doch nur dein Bestes
Redistribution Making Germany more equitable: We need this tax reform now

Is Germany a fair country? Many people say: no! Tax policy is the key lever for greater social justice. We should use this lever—and we should do so quickly and in several areas.

Der Streik bei Kelvion in Nobitz-Wilchwitz begann am 4. August 2026. Die Geschäftsleitung will nach Sarstedt/Niedersachsen verlagern - obwohl die Produktion in Wilchwitz profitabel und bis ins nächste Jahr ausgelastet ist.
"It’s worth fighting for!" Kelvion workers strike for a social collective bargaining agreement

Kelvion plans to relocate its profitable heat exchanger production in Wilchwitz (Thuringia) to the west. After nearly four weeks on strike, employees and IG Metall have reached a collective bargaining agreement that includes generous severance packages. A new investor intends to take over at least part of the operation.

Ruhrpott Rebellion am 07.07.2026
Welfare State September 26: Nationwide Day of Action for Social Policy

Working longer, smaller pensions, cuts to long-term care: The attack on the welfare state is growing ever more intense. On September 26, metalworkers will stand up against it. As part of the “Hart verdient” day of action, they will take to the streets in 15 German cities.

Beschäftigter arbeitet an einem Getriebe in einer Fabrik
Working Hours Why working longer doesn’t help—and actually does more harm than good

The German metal and electrical industry is in crisis and cutting jobs. Employers are demanding that we work longer hours again—preferably without pay—and that the 35-hour workweek be abolished, claiming that this would solve everything. But will that really make a difference?

Ein männlicher Land- & Baumaschinenmechatroniker prüft einen Traktor mit einem Tablet
2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors Greater Flexibility in the Metalworking and Agricultural Engineering Sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen

Workers in the metalworking and agricultural machinery sectors in Lower Saxony and Bremen can look forward to a 2.5 percent pay raise and the option to convert pay into time off.

Elektronikerin prüft die Spannung an einem Schaltschrank.
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Electrical Trades Wage Increase in the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg

Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Electrical Trades in Berlin-Brandenburg: Wages will increase in two stages starting January 1, 2027. Apprentice wages will also be raised in two stages.

Benjamin Heine ist Mitarbeiter der BMA in Braunschweig
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Higher Wages in the Metal Fabrication and Precision Engineering Sectors in Southwest Germany

The collective bargaining agreement provides the approximately 30,000 employees in Baden-Württemberg with a compensation bonus and a pay increase reflected in the pay scale, effective February 2027.

Metall-Arbeiter beim Schleifen
2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Metalworking Trade Employees in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector will receive higher pay

Collective bargaining agreement in the Berlin-Brandenburg metalworking sector: Wages and apprenticeship stipends will increase starting in July. In addition, employees will receive a one-time payment and a new annual recreation allowance.

Beschäftigte von Thyssenkrupp demonstrieren in Essen am 23. Mai 2024 gegen das Vorgehen der Geschäftsführung beim geplanten Teilverkauf des Unternehmens.
Defend the welfare state All dates for nationwide actions against cuts to social services

The federal government’s reform plans will mean cuts for many workers. It’s time to actively defend the welfare state.

IGM Aktion VW Wolfsburg
On September 21, things will get loud Nationwide Day of Action: Auto Industry Workers Fight Back Against Mass Layoffs

Automotive industry workers are resisting their corporate bosses’ fantasies of cost-cutting and offshoring. During the nationwide day of action, they will send a clear message: Competitiveness is not achieved through cost-cutting, but through investment.

Auszubildender in einer Schreinerei
Apprenticeship Wages Questions and Answers About Apprenticeship Wages

How much money are apprentices entitled to? Apprenticeship pay can vary depending on the industry, region, and whether a collective bargaining agreement applies. One thing is certain: you’re better off with a collective bargaining agreement. Our FAQ on pay.

Beschäftigte stehen zu einem großen Herz zusammen
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