Collective bargaining for the metal and electrical industries is set to begin. IG Metall aims to establish collective bargaining agreements as quickly as possible to ensure secure jobs and a future amid the industry’s transformation. Accordingly, the bargaining committees and the IG Metall Executive Board have tasked the regional bargaining committees with initiating negotiations on a collective bargaining package for the future.
At its meeting on February 26, the IG Metall Executive Board also decided to terminate the collective bargaining agreements covering compensation, wages, salaries, and apprenticeship stipends in the metal and electrical industries effective March 31. IG Metall aims to strengthen employees’ purchasing power through a pay increase reflected in the pay scales. In Baden-Württemberg, the framework collective bargaining agreement for apprentices will also be terminated.
Investments in Future-Oriented Products
At their meetings on February 20, the regional bargaining committees instructed the negotiating committees to achieve results in line withthe “Moratorium for Fair Transition.”IG Metall had proposed this moratorium to employers on January 24, 2020. It stipulates that employers must refrain from unilateral measures to reduce staff, close locations, or relocate operations. IG Metall is prepared to begin early negotiations on a “future package” in all collective bargaining areas. The goal is to reach an agreement by April 28, 2020, within the framework of the peace obligation.
IG Metall wants to ensure that employers in the companies are required to engage in negotiations on future collective bargaining agreements if IG Metall so demands. In these future collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall aims to enshrine investments in future-oriented products, skills development, and a ban on layoffs—thereby proactively securing good jobs in the long term.
Sustainability Bonus for Members
IG Metall also aims to secure a sustainability bonus for its members. Aligning working hours in eastern Germany with those in the west, as well as including dual-track students in collective bargaining agreements, are also among IG Metall’s goals for the 2020 collective bargaining round.
The bargaining committees of the regional bargaining areas have not put forward a specific demand, provided that an agreement is reached by early April. No formal resolution on demands has been adopted. The bargaining partners have mutually agreed to postpone the deadline for submitting the demands to April 21.
In the coming weeks, employees will have their say—and will apply pressure in the workplaces through actions and votes on the “Future Package.” After all, the “Future Package” won’t happen on its own. Employers need to feel pressure during collective bargaining.
Termination of the Compensation Regulations for Volkswagen AG
At its meeting on February 26, the IG Metall Executive Board also resolved to terminate the compensation regulations for Volkswagen AG. This termination was requested by the Volkswagen AG bargaining committee and will take effect on April 30. A company-specific collective bargaining agreement applies to Volkswagen AG.
