Which union is right for you depends on the industry in which you work. For example, IG Metall represents workers in the metal and electrical industries, the steel industry, the wood and plastics industries, the textile industry, the skilled trades, and other sectors. However, there may sometimes be overlaps with the sectors covered by other unions. On the German Trade Union Federation’s website, you can easily use a form to find out which union is right for you.
IG Metall negotiates collective bargaining agreements with employer representatives that offer employees significantly higher wages and better working conditions. Only members are entitled to the terms of these collective bargaining agreements. In addition, members receive free legal advice and legal protection, strike pay, support during lockouts, continuing education opportunities, and much more. You can find more information about our member benefits here.
The fastest way to become a member is to join online. On our homepage, you’ll find a link to an online form that you can fill out quickly and securely. You can also fill out the membership form as a PDF, print it, and mail it to your local office. Alternatively, you can apply for membership in person at your local office.
IG Metall has over 150 local offices nationwide. You can easily find your local IG Metall office online using our office locator —just enter your employer’s ZIP code and you’re all set.
No. You are under no obligation to inform your employer that you are a member of IG Metall or any other union.
Works council elections are democracy in action. Studies show that things run much more smoothly with works councils. That’s because they’re experts in employee participation and good working conditions. Companies with a works council pay wages that are more than ten percent higher than those without an elected employee representative body. Low-wage earners and women benefit from this the most. Through works council elections, employees also vote on socially acceptable working hours and fair working conditions, as well as on equitable wages and secure collective bargaining agreements. Our works councils advocate for location and employment guarantees, as well as innovative concepts to secure the future.
Works councils make the workplace fairer, safer, and more democratic. You can establish a works council if your company has as few as five adult employees. Of course, not every employer is immediately convinced of the benefits of a works council. So, consult your local IG Metall chapter for advice on how to proceed. You can find more information here.
Members of the election committee and candidates enjoy special protection against termination. This prohibits ordinary termination during their term of office or while they are running for office. As soon as the election results are announced, members of the election committee and candidates are granted six months of so-called “post-election protection” against termination. Ordinary terminations are also prohibited during this period.
Your employment contract should specify which collective bargaining agreement governs your compensation. All current pay scales are also available on our website. There, you can quickly see which collective bargaining agreement applies to your industry and region. If in doubt, your local IG Metall chapter can assist you.
Employees paid under a collective bargaining agreement earn significantly more on average than those without one. If you’d like to secure a collective bargaining agreement at your workplace, please contact your local IG Metall chapter first. Our knowledgeable colleagues can advise you on the best way to proceed at your workplace. One thing is especially important: it won’t work without solidarity among employees. You can find more information on how to secure a collective bargaining agreement here.
Do you perform the same work as your coworkers but earn less? If you feel that your employer has classified you incorrectly, you can contact your works council or your local IG Metall chapter. At our offices, we’ll be happy to advise you and, if necessary, help you assert your rights.
In the event of a strike, IG Metall will pay you what is colloquially referred to as“strike pay”(strike support). The amount of strike pay you receive depends on the duration and amount of your membership dues (prerequisite: at least 3 months of membership with dues paid in accordance with the bylaws). Use our benefits calculator to find out how much strike pay you would be entitled to. In addition, we offer legal advice to ensure you face no repercussions from your employer.
In principle, yes. However, your employer cannot arbitrarily determine the number and frequency of overtime hours. Collective bargaining agreements and company agreements often contain provisions regarding overtime. If you have questions or concerns, it’s best to consult your works council. We’ve summarized general information on the topic of overtime for you in our guide.
Your employer must provide you with safe working conditions. The works council has a say in occupational safety matters. It must verify whether the employer is doing enough to ensure the safety of employees while they’re working. If you feel that this isn’t the case, bring any irregularities to the attention of your works council. Your local IG Metall chapter will also be happy to assist you.
In the event of a workplace accident, statutory workers’ compensation insurance covers you. Employers pay contributions to this statutory workers’ compensation insurance. If a dispute arises with your employer due to a workplace accident, DGB legal protection is there to support you. If you’re injured during your free time, IG Metall’s personal accident insurance kicks in and helps mitigate the financial consequences of your accident. The only requirement: You must have been a member of IG Metall for at least twelve months and have paid your dues in accordance with the bylaws.
Your employer is obligated to protect you from bullying and discrimination. Discuss any problems with your supervisor. If necessary, you should also involve the works council. If you’re unsure how to proceed in a specific case, your local IG Metall office can help you.
If your employer terminates your employment, you should contact your local IG Metall office. They will review your employment contract and termination notice with you. If there are any irregularities, as a member, you are entitled to free DGB legal protection, which can help you challenge the termination.
Unfortunately, when a member is unemployed, IG Metall cannot take over the responsibilities of the Federal Employment Agency. However, we can help you fill out applications for the Federal Employment Agency or your local job center and inform you about your rights. Your local office can advise you on where to find local employers who are bound by collective bargaining agreements and respect employees’ rights to co-determination.
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