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Illustration einer Kurzarbeiterin während der Corona-Krise

All the Info on the COVID-19 Crisis
Coronavirus Crisis: Guides, News, and More

The coronavirus crisis has hit businesses hard. IG Metall is here to support you—at our local offices and online. Here you’ll find information about the coronavirus and useful guides for the workplace.

Illustration: Stephanie Brittnacher

2 September 2020 2 September 2020

News
Kita zu: Kleiner Junge steht vor verschlossener Tür
Foto: istock/SbytovaMN

Child Sickness Benefits 2022/2023 Quarantine, daycare or school closed? Extended child sickness benefits continue

Working parents who must take time off work due to COVID-19-related restrictions at daycare centers and schools can use sick days for their children for this purpose. The legislature has extended this provision once again. We explain who is eligible and how much the child sick pay is.

Frau arbeitet mit Mundschutz in einem Industriebetrieb an einer Maschine
Foto: iStock.com/miljko

FAQ: COVID-19 as a Work-Related Injury COVID-19 as a Work-Related Injury: What Employees Need to Be Aware Of

A COVID-19 infection can generally constitute an insured event under statutory workers’ compensation insurance. Under what conditions is the infection considered a work-related injury? What should employees be aware of? What benefits are they entitled to? Find the answers in our FAQ.

Junge Frau arbeitet in ihrer Küche mit einem Laptop
Foto: iStock.com/FlamingoImages

COVID-19 Pandemic Working from home: Here are the new rules

To curb the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers have decided that employers must once again offer their employees the option to work from home, provided their job allows it. And employees must accept this offer unless they have valid reasons not to.

Näherin mit Maski in Textilfabrik
Foto: iStock.com/Magnifical Productions

FAQ: COVID-19 Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance Effective infection control remains essential

Starting October 1, 2022, new COVID-19 rules will apply in the workplace. The Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved an update to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) and the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Safety and Health Regulation (Corona-ArbSchV). Workplace prevention remains essential.

Beschäftigter im Homeoffice legt sich sichtbar gestresst die Hände vor die Stirn.
Foto: istock / Tetiana Soares

Occupational Safety and Health Healthy Work Practices—Even When Working from Home

For many people, working from home seems to offer a better work-life balance. Nevertheless, the question arises: How can we ensure healthy working conditions even when working from home? At Bosch in Schwieberdingen, the works council has looked into this issue.

Tips & Guides

Infektionsschutz im Betrieb Abstand AHA-Regel

Health and Safety Guide 10 Rules for Coronavirus Protection in the Workplace

COVID-19 requires enhanced health protection. The risk of contracting the coronavirus is ever-present—even in the workplace. Ten rules and tips to effectively protect employees from infection. With posters in 16 languages.

Mann steht an einer Maschine in einer Werkshalle

Questions and Answers About Short-Time Work How Short-Time Work Works

Short-time work allows companies to weather difficult economic downturns. Employees then receive short-time work benefits. We explain how it works.

Arbeiterin mit Kollege in einem Metalllager

Increase Due to the COVID-19 Crisis Short-time work benefits are increasing: What employees need to know now

The increase in short-time work benefits is coming—after weeks of pressure from the unions. We explain what this means for employees and how long the new regulation will be in effect.

Familie mit Hund an einem Bergsee

Vacation Entitlement, Pay, and Vacation Pay During Short-Time Work Does short-time work affect my vacation entitlement?

Vacation Season: Many Germans’ favorite destinations are opening up to tourists. Even though social distancing and hygiene rules are making vacations different in 2020, taking time off is still possible. But what if employees are on short-time work? What should be considered when planning vacations, regarding pay, and vacation pay?

Auszubildende KFZ-Mechanikerin repariert ein Auto.

Apprenticeships During the COVID-19 Pandemic What Apprentices Should Know Now

For many young people, their apprenticeship is about to begin or the next year of their apprenticeship is coming up. COVID-19 continues to shape daily life at workplaces and vocational schools. In all measures taken, protecting the health of apprentices is the top priority. We answer the most important questions and offer tips.

Student blättert im Programm

Dual Study Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic What dual-track students should know now

The next semester is about to begin for dual-track students. COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread continue to shape daily life at work and at the university. We’re providing tips and answers to the most pressing questions.

Junger Mann mit Hemd leht mit dem Arm auf einer Arbeitsfläche vor einem Regallager mit kleineren Metallteilen und blickt direkt in die Kamera

Changed Conditions Due to COVID-19 COVID-19 Pandemic: What Are the Rules for Summer Jobs?

Many high school and college students use the summer to earn some extra money. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some conditions have changed. Our guide explains exactly what you need to keep in mind.

Arbeiter schaut während einer Pause auf sein Smartphone

Information for Employees Corona-Warn App: What Employees Should Know

The use of the Corona-Warn-App raises questions under labor law. For example, whether an employer can require employees to install and use the app. We explain what employees should keep in mind.

Mann arbeitet von zu Hause aus am Laptop

Remote Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic Can I claim home office expenses as a tax deduction?

Anyone working from home during the COVID-19 crisis can claim certain expenses as income-related expenses on their tax return. We explain why you should start thinking about next year’s tax return now and what employees who frequently drive to work need to keep in mind.

Junge Frau arbeitet in ihrer Küche mit einem Laptop

Work Arrangements Working from Home: How to Keep Work Safe and Healthy

The number of coronavirus infections in Germany is rising. Many companies are sending employees who can do so to work from home. However, not every workplace will have permanently set up telework stations. Here’s what employees should keep in mind to ensure that working from home is safe and healthy.

Ein kleines Mädchen hält die Hand eines Erwachsenen.

Family Assistance in Times of Crisis Emergency Child Allowance – Who Is Eligible for More Money Now

Due to reduced working hours and loss of income, many families are facing financial difficulties. The federal government’s emergency child allowance is now designed to provide them with quick and unbureaucratic assistance. We explain who is eligible and how to apply for the allowance.

Junge Frau in der Werkstatt bedient ein Tablet.

Guide for Solo Self-Employed Individuals During the COVID-19 Crisis Help for Solo Self-Employed Individuals and Small Businesses

Canceled orders, postponed appointments, closed stores: Solo self-employed individuals and small businesses are quickly facing existential threats during the COVID-19 crisis. What support is available.

From the Workplaces—Active in Support of Jobs and Opportunities
Beschäftiger von Opel mit Mundschutz in der Produktion
Foto: Frank Rumpenhorst

Short-Time Work at Opel Eisenach Stellantis wants taxpayers and employees to foot the bill

Opel Eisenach is set to shut down by Christmas. Employees have been placed on short-time work. The chip shortage is cited as the reason. However, politicians and employees suspect that the Dutch parent company wants to cut costs at their expense.

Mann arbeitet von zu Hause aus am Laptop
Foto: iStock.com/Ridofranz

New Policy on Working from Home Siemens is breaking new ground in remote work

Siemens has established guidelines for remote work. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, employees can work half of their regular working hours from home.

Metaller beim Maschinenbauer Heller
Foto: Joachim Röttgers

Future Collective Bargaining Agreement at Heller Turning the crisis into an opportunity

First the mobility transition—and then COVID-19. In 2020, there was no more work for 600 employees at the machine manufacturer Heller. Up to 250 positions are now set to be cut, but without layoffs. IG Metall and the works council have secured the future of the remaining 1,450 employees through a collective bargaining agreement.

Fertigung von Getriebeteilen für Autos
Foto: iStock.com/zhuzhu

Continental plans to intensify its cost-cutting program Conti wants to continue squeezing employees

Continental plans to save a whopping one billion euros annually. Employees, the Supervisory Board, and IG Metall are calling for a genuine business strategy and a vision for the future of each location, rather than mindless cost-cutting.

Eine Reihe schwarzer Autos im Werk.
Foto: www.luhengfoto.com

Daimler Works Council Secures Review of Outsourcing Plans S-Class seats will remain at the Sindelfingen plant—battery production is also coming

In 2018, Daimler’s management decided to outsource the production of seats for the S-Class. The Daimler works council in Sindelfingen has now succeeded in keeping S-Class seat production in Sindelfingen—while also securing the addition of battery production and the GLC model.

Beschäftigte von ZF Schweinfurt demonstrieren gegen Arbeitsplatzabbau und für Zukunftsperspektiven
Foto: IG Metall

Job Security in the Auto Industry IG Metall and works councils secure jobs at Daimler, Bosch, and ZF

The CEOs of the automotive industry would love to cut tens of thousands of jobs. IG Metall is working to ensure that they are preserved.

Eine Reihe Männer hält IG Metall-Fahnen.
Foto (Archiv): Thomas Range

Higher wages, shorter workweek, vacation and Christmas bonuses Employees and IG Metall secure a collective bargaining agreement at Wanzl

A 2.3 percent pay raise, Christmas and vacation bonuses, and a 35-hour workweek: IG Metall has secured its first collective bargaining agreement at shopping cart manufacturer Wanzl. The 2,000 employees fought for this for two years—including through several warning strikes.

Beschäftiger von Opel mit Mundschutz in der Produktion
Foto: Frank Rumpenhorst

Health and Safety Is the Top Priority as Operations Resume How automaker Opel is resuming production

After a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus, Opel has resumed production in Rüsselsheim. Protecting employees’ health is the top priority. The works council and management have developed tailored measures for each department, with the support of local IG Metall union representatives.

gestrette Mutter im HomeOffice und während Kinderbetreuung
Foto: iStock.com/Kerkez

Parents in Crisis “I’m about to run out of energy”

The strain on many families during the COVID-19 crisis is immense. The prolonged closures of daycare centers and schools are presenting parents with unexpected challenges in balancing work and family life. A metalworker describes how the burden of working from home, childcare, housework, and schoolwork is wearing her down.

Arbeitnehmerin bedient Industriemaschine
Foto: iStock.com/SeventyFour

Circuit board manufacturer Liebers in Ingolstadt What employees on short-time work have to do without

There’s no money for rent, plans to renovate the apartment are on hold, and the loan has to be paid off. For many workers, short-time work during the COVID-19 crisis means income losses of up to 40 percent. That’s also the case for the Liebers in Ingolstadt. At least the increase in short-time work benefits is supposed to come soon.

Zwei Männer arbeiten an Karosserien in einer Autofabrik.
Foto: iStock.com/gerenme

Collective Bargaining Agreement at IAV IAV addresses the transformation and the COVID-19 pandemic

The new collective bargaining agreement at IAV addresses the transformation, the current situation caused by the coronavirus, and the period that follows. Short-time work benefits will be increased to 95 percent. Remote work will become more flexible.

Beschäftigter bei der Produktion von Batteriezellen im VW-Werk Braunschweig
Matthias Leitzke/Volkswagen AG

Negotiation Results Reached for VW Better provisions for VW employees

IG Metall has secured permanently improved collective bargaining provisions for the Volkswagen workforce regarding time off for child-rearing and caregiving. Negotiations on a pay increase have been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Landkarte mitmarkern für Geschäftsstellen
Bild: IG Metall
Interaktive-Landkarte.png IG Metall in Your Area
Advice, Service, Help

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

Frau sitzt vor Bildschirm
Illustration: IG Metall
Frau sitzt vor Bildschirm

Support for Works Councils and Union Representatives

We’re here for you during the COVID-19 crisis—including through our portal for activists.

Whether it’s health and safety, lost work time, reduced hours, or child care: IG Metall supports its works council members and union representatives in the workplace. To that end, we’ve provided in-depth information, practical guidance, and sample company agreements on our portal for active members.

Go to the resource collection on the portal for active members
Ein lachender Mann mit IG Metall-Kappe in einer Menschenmenge.
Foto: Frank Rumpenhorst
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News on current topics, guides, pay scale tables, strike pay calculators, and much more—download the IG Metall app for Android or iOS!

Solidarity in the Time of COVID-19

Show that we stand together in solidarity—with your photos, videos, and messages. Post your photos on our Social Wall! On Instagram or Twitter: Post your photos with the hashtag #SolidarischNichtAlleine. On Facebook: Post your photos and tag @igmetall. Or use the upload form.

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