Better with Collective Bargaining
IG Metall’s top priority is collective bargaining policy. Collective bargaining agreements must meet the needs of workers. In collective bargaining, we advocate for securing and increasing incomes, reducing working hours, improving the quality of work, and preserving jobs and training opportunities. Collective bargaining agreements establish collective minimum standards against wage dumping, create opportunities and transparency, and ensure equal rights and conditions for workers. They are a driving force in matters of distributive justice and thus also a cornerstone of democracy.
Union Policy in the Workplace
Our shop stewards and works council members advocate within the workplace for fair income distribution and good working conditions. Occupational health and safety, environmentally friendly production, work organization, in-house and vocational training for employees, pay grading, and working hours—these are the issues our shop stewards and works council members address. Shop stewards are elected by IG Metall members at the workplace. They advise our members on their rights under collective bargaining agreements and company agreements, discuss collective bargaining demands, provide information on IG Metall’s policies, and nominate IG Metall candidates for the works council.
The Works Council
The works council is elected by all employees and serves as the legally mandated representative body for employee interests within the company. Its rights and duties are governed by the Works Constitution Act. Over 80 percent of works council members in the metalworking industry are organized in IG Metall. We aim to expand co-determination rights for the benefit of the workforce.
The Union Secretary
Union secretaries serve the workplaces in their region, so they are usually on the road. They advise and support works councils, develop strategies, participate in works meetings, conduct collective bargaining, and organize strikes. They also advise members on a wide variety of issues. Union secretaries are well-versed in legal matters, particularly in labor and social security law. They also need good judgment, strong negotiation skills, and a certain degree of composure.
IG Metall in Society
We advocate for a social, democratic, and ecological economic order and a just society in both the workplace and everyday life. Together with our members, we help shape political developments to achieve fair working and living conditions.
