Adoption of the Metal Industry Collective Bargaining Agreement Higher wages and self-determined work schedules nationwide

All collective bargaining regions in the metal and electrical industries have adopted the collective bargaining agreement from Baden-Württemberg. It ensures that employees receive a share of the industry’s economic success. And it marks a turning point. Until now, flexibility in working hours has primarily benefited employers. The collective bargaining agreement now also gives employees more flexibility and greater autonomy over their work schedules. For the first time, they have a legal right to choose for themselves to work shorter hours—for their own sake, for their health, and for their families.

This success was only possible because 1.5 million metalworkers applied pressure through warning strikes and full-day warning strikes, forcing employers to back down.
 

Starting in April, wages will increase by 4.3 percent, with a one-time payment of 100 euros already in March. Beginning in 2019, a new annual special payment will be added: the collectively agreed supplementary payment amounting to 27.5 percent. There will also be a fixed amount of 400 euros, from which lower pay grades will benefit in particular. Overall, employees will receive 3.5 to 4 percent more pay annually in both 2018 and 2019, depending on their pay grade.

More Autonomy Over Working Hours

Starting in 2019, full-time employees are entitled to reduced full-time hours. They can reduce their working hours to up to 28 hours per week for a period of 6 to 24 months. Afterward, they have the guaranteed right to return to their normal full-time schedule—or to submit another request for reduced full-time hours.

In addition, there is an option for employees who are raising children, caring for relatives, or working shifts. They can choose to take the 27.5 percent collective bargaining bonus as time off. Normally, this would amount to six days off per year. However, IG Metall has secured a provision requiring employers to add two additional days as a bonus. This means employees receive an additional eight days off per year.

Days Off Before Exams for Apprentices – Harmonization with Eastern Germany

In addition to the nationwide regulations, IG Metall has achieved specific outcomes in individual collective bargaining regions. For example, apprentices receive additional days off before exams, though the rules vary by region.

This also applies to the obligation to hold discussions aimed at harmonizing working conditions and working hours in the eastern regions. Local IG Metall offices provide information on the specific outcomes in the respective collective bargaining areas.