Decent Work for All For decent work in temporary employment – multilingual

Information in Arabic

IG Metall supports you
Work through temporary employment agencies is widespread in the industries covered by IG Metall. Often, people hired through temporary employment agencies are treated as second-class workers. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many workers employed through temporary employment agencies are fighting against this injustice and are finding support from the IG Metall union, of which they are members. We are fighting together to make work through temporary employment agencies fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated fairly and respectfully at your workplace!
Over 100,000 temporary workers are already members of IG Metall. They know that they can achieve improvements only through a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your workplace, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague,
Are you being paid less than your colleagues on permanent contracts? Are you working in your field? Have you ever been removed from the company you were assigned to? Was your employment there terminated by being directly let go? Many temporary workers have already faced this situation. But it doesn’t have to be this way: workers employed through temporary staffing agencies have rights!
But what happens if there are problems with the employer? Workers hired through temporary employment agencies have the right to contact the works council at both the agency that hired them and the company where they’ve been assigned to work to seek advice or support. Of course, the IG Metall union can also help if you’re a member.

What does working through a temporary employment agency entail?
Usually, the employment relationship is directly with the company where a person works. In contrast, a temporary employment relationship is a three-way relationship between the employee and two companies: the agency that hired them and the client company where they perform their work. Workers are hired by the temporary employment agency; this agency pays them. The temporary employment agency makes them available to the client company for a specific period of time. The hired workers perform their work at the client company.

Trade Unions in Germany
Unions fight for fairer pay, better working conditions, and greater participation in management. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. They also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. Join the union that represents your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following sectors: the metalworking and electrical engineering industries, the automotive industry, the steel industry, the woodworking and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are temporarily employed in any of these sectors, IG Metall is your union.

Works Councils in Germany
Works councils are elected by all employees at a company and advocate for the interests of employees within the company. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the trade union responsible for the respective industry. Works councils and trade unions have different roles: In Germany, key working conditions—such as pay, working hours, and the number of days off—are regulated by collective bargaining agreements. Only labor unions have the right to negotiate these agreements with the employer. Works councils are responsible for ensuring their implementation in the workplace and for monitoring compliance with the agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Their Scope
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In such cases, they are said to be outside the scope of collective bargaining.  Consequently, whether workers and employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective bargaining agreements depends on whether and to what extent the employer participates in collective bargaining.

IG Metall has achieved this!
Within the framework of collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already achieved many improvements in the area of temporary employment. For example, under collective bargaining agreements, monthly wages and industry-specific allowances are regularly increased. This means that temporary workers receive a supplement to their salary based on the length of their employment at a specific company. In addition, they receive special payments twice a year: a vacation bonus and a Christmas bonus. And the best part is that IG Metall members also receive an additional payment—a bonus for members in temporary employment.

Bonus for Temporary Agency Workers
To receive this additional payment, members must submit an application to the temporary employment agency that placed them between May 10 and June 30 or between October 19 and November 30. All members who have been members for at least six months and have been working for the temporary employment agency for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 are eligible. For more information: igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become a member of IG Metall now and secure:

• Active support in the workplace from the IG Metall works council.
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local branches—nationwide.
• Comprehensive information for workers employed through temporary staffing agencies.
• Review of employment contracts, job classifications, and pay stubs.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal representation in labor and social security disputes.

How to Become a Member of IG Metall
You can easily become a member online or by filling out a printed membership application in your native language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You’ll find the latest information here:
igmetall.de/tempwork

Guide to Temporary Employment
Or check out the guide for workers employed through temporary staffing agencies. The guide provides information and advice regarding your employment contract, pay, working conditions, and a range of other issues. It’s a reliable guide for temporary workers. You can get a printed copy from your IG Metall union or download it online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit(Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

Here’s how to stay in touch with us
For any questions related to working through temporary staffing agencies, you can contact us at one of our 145 local branches near you. You can find the contact information for your local branch here:igmetall.de/vor-ort

We’ve set up a hotline specifically for our members in temporary employment to provide free advice—the Temporary Work Hotline. The hotline is available at:
0800 4463488

during business hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may be charged at a maximum rate of 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary agency work is widespread in IG Metall’s sectors. And agency workers are often treated like second-class workers. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many agency workers are fighting back against this injustice and finding support from their union, IG Metall. We are fighting together to make agency work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and respectfully in the workplace!

More than 100,000 agency workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements through a strong union. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with conditions at your company, come and join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague,
Do you earn less than your permanent colleagues? Are you not working in the profession for which you were trained? Have you ever been removed from a workplace? Was your assignment there terminated and were you immediately laid off? Many agency workers have already experienced this. But it doesn’t have to be that way: temporary agency workers have rights!

But what if there are problems with your employer? Temporary agency workers are entitled to approach the works council of both the company that hires them out and the company they are working for to ask for advice or support. And the IG Metall union will, of course, help if you are a member.

What is temporary agency work?
Normally, your employment relationship is directly with the company where you work. A temporary staffing agency relationship, on the other hand, is a three-way relationship between a worker and two companies: a temporary staffing agency and a client company/employer. Temporary agency workers are employed and paid by the agency. However, the temporary staffing agency places them at the disposal of the client company for a certain period of time. The workers then work there.

This is what labor unions do in Germany
Trade unions fight for fairer pay, better working conditions, and greater worker participation. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be honored. But they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.

In Germany, trade unions are organized by sector, not by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your sector. IG Metall represents workers in the following sectors: the metal and electrical industries, automotive manufacturing, the steel industry, wood and plastics, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT industry. If you are a temporary agency worker in one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right place for you.

This is what works councils (Betriebsräte) do in Germany
Works councils are elected by the entire workforce of a company and advocate for workers’ interests at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the trade union responsible for the industry. Works councils and trade unions have different roles: In Germany, basic conditions such as pay, working hours, and vacation time are set forth in collective bargaining agreements. Only trade unions are authorized to negotiate these agreements with the employer. Works councils are responsible for implementing these agreements in the workplace and monitoring compliance with them.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Coverage
Different employers often have different collective agreements. There are also employers who are not covered by a collective agreement. They are then considered to be outside the scope of collective agreements. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective agreements therefore depends on whether and how the employer is bound by collective agreements.

This is what IG Metall has achieved!
IG Metall has already secured many improvements in temporary agency work through its collective agreements. For example, collective agreements provide for regular increases in monthly pay and industry-specific bonuses. These allow workers in temporary employment to receive a supplement to their pay based on the length of time they have worked at a company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: a vacation bonus and a Christmas bonus. And best of all, IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the member benefit for temporary agency work.

Member Benefit for Temporary Agency Work
To receive the extra payment, members must apply to their agency between May 19 and June 30 and between October 19 and November 30. All members who have been members for at least six months and have been employed by their agency for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 are eligible for the extra payment. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and secure the following for yourself:

• Active support in the workplace from IG Metall works councils.
• Expert assistance at one of 145 local IG Metall branch offices nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary agency workers.
• Review of your employment contract, your job classification, and your pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social law.
• Free legal protection in labor and social law disputes.

How to become an IG Metall member
You can easily become a member online or by submitting a printed membership application in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/membership-form

For the latest information and more, visit
igmetall.de/temp-work

Guide for Temporary Agency Workers
Or get the guide for temporary agency workers. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, your earnings, your working conditions, and much more. It is your reliable companion for agency work. You can get it in print from your IG Metall union or online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for employees in temporary employment in German)

How to reach us
For all matters concerning temporary agency work, you can reach us at one of our 145 offices near you. You can find the contact details for your local branch office at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a free advice line specifically for our members in temporary agency work: the Temporary Agency Work Hotline. The hotline is available at 0800 4463488

and offers advice during the following hours
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from a landline are free of charge. Calls from a cell phone may incur charges of up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a matter of course for us.

Or send us an email:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

The IG Metall Union is here to look out for your interests
Temporary employment is widespread in the industrial sectors covered by the IG Metall union. And workers with temporary employment contracts are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many workers on temporary contracts are fighting back against this injustice and are finding support from their union, IG Metall. We are fighting together to make temporary employment fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and with respect at the company!
More than 100,000 temporary workers have already joined the IG Metall union. They know that they can achieve improvements only through a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear Colleague, 
Do you earn less than your permanent colleagues? Are you not working in the profession you were trained for? Have you ever been removed from a company’s payroll? Was your employment there terminated, and were you fired immediately? Many temporary workers have already gone through this. But it doesn’t have to be this way: Temporary workers have rights!
But what if there are problems with your employer? Employees with temporary employment contracts have the right to contact the works council of both the agency that hires them and the company for which they work to seek advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union can help you if you are a member.

What is temporary employment?
Normally, an individual’s employment relationship is directly with the company where they work. A temporary employment relationship, on the other hand, is a three-way relationship between an employee and two businesses or companies: a staffing agency and a client company. Temporary workers are employed and paid by the staffing agency. However, the staffing agency makes them available to the client company for a specific period of time. The workers then work at the client company.

What labor unions do in Germany
Labor unions campaign for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater co-determination. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. However, they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, labor unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following industries: the metal and electrical equipment industry, vehicle manufacturing, steel production, wood and plastics, the textile industry, small-scale manufacturing, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are an employee of a temporary employment agency in one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right advocate for you.

What Do Works Councils Do in Germany?
Works councils are elected by the entire workforce of a company and advocate for employees’ interests at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for their sector. Works councils and labor unions have different roles: In Germany, key terms and conditions—such as wages, working hours, and the number of vacation days—are set forth in collective bargaining agreements. Only labor unions are permitted to negotiate these terms with the employer. Works councils are responsible for implementing them in the workplace and monitor compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Agreements and the Commitment to Collective Bargaining
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers for whom collective bargaining agreements do not apply. In such cases, it is said that they are not bound by collective bargaining. Therefore, whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective bargaining agreements depends on whether and how the employer is bound by collective bargaining.

IG Metall has achieved this!
IG Metall has already achieved many improvements in temporary employment through collective bargaining agreements. For example, there are regular increases in monthly wages and industry-specific pay supplements under the collective bargaining agreements. Through these, temporary workers receive a wage supplement based on the length of time they have been employed by a company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: a vacation allowance and a Christmas bonus. And best of all, IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the membership allowance for temporary employment.

Temporary Employment Member Allowance
To receive the additional payment, members must submit an application to the staffing agency between May 19 and June 30 or between October 19 and November 30. All members who have been members for at least six months and have been employed by the staffing agency for at least six months are eligible. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Join IG Metall now and secure:

• Active support at the staffing agency through IG Metall’s works councils.
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local branches throughout Germany.
• Comprehensive informational materials for employees of temporary staffing agencies.
• Review of your employment contract, your job classification, and your pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal protection in labor and social law disputes.

How to become a member of IG Metall
You can easily join online or by filling out a printed membership application in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/membership-form

You can find the latest information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork

Guide to Temporary Employment
Or download the guide for workers with temporary employment contracts. This guide provides information and advice about your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s your trusted companion for temporary employment. You can obtain a printed copy from the IG Metall union or download it online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Contact Us
For all matters related to temporary employment, you can contact one of our 145 local offices in your area. You can find the contact information for the office nearest you at igmetall.de/vor-ort

Especially for our members who are in temporary employment, we offer a free telephone advice line, the Hotline. The Hotline number is0800 4463488

and provides advice during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may be charged at a rate of up to 42 lepta per minute. Confidentiality is a matter of course for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is on your side
Temporary work is widespread in the sectors covered by IG Metall. And temporary workers are often treated as second-class workers. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many temporary workers are fighting against this injustice and are finding support in their union, IG Metall. We are fighting together to make temporary work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated more appropriately and with more respect at your workplace!

More than 100,000 temporary workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements through a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, contact IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague
Do you earn less than your permanent colleagues? Are you working outside your field of training? Have you ever been “delisted” by a company? Did your employment there end and were you laid off directly? Many temporary workers have already gone through this. But it doesn’t have to be this way: temporary workers have rights!

But what happens if there are problems with your employer? Temporary workers have the right to contact the works council of the agency that hires them and the works council of the company where they work to ask for advice or assistance. And of course, the IG Metall union can help you if you’re a member.

What is temporary work?
Normally, you have an employment relationship directly with the company where you work. A temporary employment relationship, however, is a three-way arrangement between a worker and two companies: a temporary staffing agency and the company that uses the worker’s services. Temporary workers are hired and paid by the temporary staffing agency. The agency then assigns them to the client company for a certain period of time. The workers then work there.

What Do Unions Do in Germany
Unions fight for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater employee participation. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be honored. However, they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.

In Germany, unions are organized by industry, not by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your sector. IG Metall represents workers in the following sectors: the metal and electrical industries, vehicle manufacturing, the steel industry, wood and plastics, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT industry. If you’re a temporary worker in one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right place for you.

What Do Works Councils Do in Germany?
Works councils are elected by all employees of a company and represent the interests of workers at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for the sector. Works councils and unions have different roles: In Germany, basic conditions such as pay, working hours, and vacation time are set by collective bargaining agreements. Only unions are authorized to negotiate these with the employer. Works councils are responsible for implementing these agreements in the workplace and monitoring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Collective Bargaining Coverage
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers for whom no collective bargaining agreement applies. They are therefore said to be not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits provided for in collective bargaining agreements therefore depends on whether or not the employer is bound by such agreements.

IG Metall has achieved this goal!
IG Metall has already secured many improvements in temporary work through collective bargaining agreements. For example, these agreements provide for regular increases in monthly pay and industry-wide premium pay. Thanks to these premiums, temporary workers receive a wage supplement based on the length of their employment at a company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: a vacation pay and a Christmas bonus. And most importantly, IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the temporary work benefit for members 

Benefits for Members: Temporary Work
To receive the supplementary payment, members must submit an application to their employer between May 19 and June 30 or between October 19 and November 30. All members who have been enrolled for at least six months and have been employed by their current company for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 are eligible for the supplementary payment. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and ensure:

• Active support in the workplace through IG Metall’s works councils.
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local offices—nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary agency workers.
• Review of your employment contract, job classification, and pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social law.
• Free legal representation in disputes involving labor and social security law.

How to become a member of IG Metall
You can easily sign up online or using a printed membership application form in your language: igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You’ll find up-to-date information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork

Guide to Temporary Work
Or pick up the guide for temporary workers. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s your trusted companion for temporary work. You can get a printed copy from your local IG Metall office or download it online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Reach Us

For all questions regarding temporary work, you can contact us at one of our 145 local offices nearest to you. The contact details for your local office are listed below: igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a free advice line specifically for our members who are engaged in temporary work: the Temporary Work Hotline. The hotline number is0800 4463488

and is available during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may cost up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or contact us via email:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is widespread across IG Metall’s industries. And workers in temporary positions are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many contract workers are fighting against this injustice and are finding support in their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make contract work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and with respect at your company!
More than 100,000 contract workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only bring about improvements through a strong union. If you want to help shape working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleagues,
Do you earn less than your colleagues who are permanently employed? Are you not receiving professional training? Have you already been let go from a company where you were temporarily employed? Was your contract terminated and were you laid off immediately afterward? Many temporary workers have already experienced this. It doesn’t have to be this way: Temporary workers have rights!
But what if there are problems with the employer? Temporary agency workers can visit the Assistance Council—whether at the company that hires temporary agency workers or at the company where they are temporarily employed—to ask for advice or support. And of course, the IG Metall union will also help if you’re a member.

What is temporary work?
Usually, you have an employment relationship directly with the company where you work. In temporary agency work, however, the employment relationship is a three-way arrangement between the employee and two companies: the company that hires workers for temporary agency work and the company that provides the workforce—or the temporary staffing agency. Contract workers are hired and paid by the staffing agency. However, the agency makes them available to the client company for a specified period of time. That is where the employees work.

This is what labor unions do in Germany
Unions advocate for fairer pay, better working conditions, and greater participation. To achieve this, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, and these agreements must be honored. However, they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents employees in the following industries: the metal and electrical industries, the automotive industry, the steel, wood, and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector.
If you’re employed on a temporary contract in any of these sectors, then IG Metall is the right place for you.

This is what works councils do in Germany
Company councils are elected by the entire workforce and advocate for employees’ interests at the company level. Most company councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for that sector. Works councils and unions have different roles: Essential conditions such as pay, working hours, or the number of days of annual leave are established by collective bargaining agreements in Germany. Only unions have the right to negotiate these matters with the employer. Company works councils are responsible for operational implementation and monitor compliance with the provisions of collective agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and the Obligation to Comply with Collective Agreements
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers to whom a collective bargaining agreement does not apply. In such cases, they are not bound by collective bargaining obligations. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under the collective bargaining agreement depends on whether and how the employer is bound by such obligations.

IG Metall has made this happen!
IG Metall has already achieved many improvements in temporary employment through its collective bargaining agreements. For example, there are regular increases in monthly pay (wages) and industry-specific wage supplements. Through these agreements, temporary workers receive a supplement to their pay based on the length of their employment with a particular company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: an annual leave allowance and a Christmas bonus. And best of all: There is also a supplement for IG Metall members—a membership benefit for temporary work.

Membership Benefit for Temporary Work
To receive the supplement, members must submit an application to their staffing agency between May 19 and June 30, or between October 19 and November 30. Everyone who has been a member for at least six months by June 30 or November 30 and has been employed for at least six months by their staffing agency is eligible. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become a member of IG Metall now and secure the following benefits:

• Active support from the IG Metall Works Council at the company where you are temporarily employed.
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local offices—nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for workers in temporary employment.
• Review of your employment contract, your job classification, and your pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal representation in labor and social law disputes.

Here’s how to become an IG Metall member
You can easily become a member online or by filling out a printed membership application form in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork

Guide to Temporary Work
Or get the guide to temporary work. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s your trusted companion for temporary work. You can print it out at your local IG Metall office or download it online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Agency Workers in German)

How to Reach Us
You can find us at one of our 145 local offices near you for any questions regarding temporary work. Below, you can find the contact information for your local office at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a special free advice hotline for our members in temporary employment—a hotline dedicated to temporary employment issues. The hotline is available at the following numbers
0800 4463488

and you can get advice during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from a landline are free. Calls from a cell phone are charged at a maximum rate of 42 cents per minute. Reliability is a given for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here to serve you
Discrimination against temporary workers is widespread within IG Metall. And it often happens that, as second-class employees, they are treated as temporary workers. Such practices are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Many temporary workers are speaking out against this injustice, and IG Metall is now standing behind them in this fight. Together, we are fighting to ensure that temporary work is carried out fairly and justly. We want your workplace to be a place of dignity and respect—and to remain so!
More than 100,000 temporary workers have joined IG Metall. They understand that they can only improve their situation by joining forces and strengthening their unity. If you want your rights to be respected under your working conditions, or if you’re unhappy with your workplace situation, please join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague, dear colleague,
Is your pay lower than that of your coworkers? Are those coworkers who are better at their jobs your peers?
Are you working while studying or taking care of your family? Has your job at the company ever been terminated? Did your employment at that company end, and have you been laid off since then? This has happened to many temporary workers. It’s not right that this happens to them: Temporary workers have rights!

So what should you do if you have issues with your employer? Temporary workers have the right to represent themselves before the Workers’ Council—both at their main workplace and at the site where they are currently working—and to request mediation or assistance from them. And of course, if you’re a member, IG Metall will continue to support you. 

What is temporary work?
Generally speaking, it means that a person enters into a direct employment relationship with the company where they work. But temporary employment isn’t like that. It’s a relationship between three parties—or between the worker and two other companies: a staffing agency that places workers with other companies, and the company where the worker is actually employed. The main company provides the temporary workers with pay and benefits. However, this main company sends the workers to other companies so that they can work there for a specific period. The workers then perform their duties at those locations.

The role of labor unions in Germany is as follows:
Labor unions advocate for fair wages, ensure that working conditions are improved, and help workers participate in decision-making. To this end, the labor unions negotiate and sign collective bargaining agreements with employers, which the employers are then obligated to comply with. However, they also take into account the personal interests of each member in social matters or in matters related to labor relations.
Labor unions are organized by industry, not by political views. So you become a member of the labor union that represents your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following industries: The metal and electrical industries, the automotive industry, the textile, wood, and plastics industries, the leather and footwear sector, manual labor, services related to manufacturing, logistics, and the IT and information technology sectors. If your job falls under one of these sectors, your membership in IG Metall is appropriate. 

The role of the Works Council in Germany is as follows
Works councils are elected by all employees at a company and represent the interests of the workforce within the company. In most cases, works councils in Germany work closely with the relevant labor unions. However, the responsibilities of the Workers’ Councils and the labor unions are distinct: basic conditions, such as wages, working hours, and the number of vacation days in Germany, are regulated by collective bargaining agreements. Only the labor unions have the right to negotiate these terms with the employers. The works councils are responsible for implementing these terms within the workplace and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.  

Tariff Structures and Tariff Compliance
It is important to note that every company has its own specific tariff structure. And there are some companies for which these tariff structures do not apply. People refer to such companies as those that are not bound by a tariff structure. For this reason, workers’ rights to receive certain services and benefits in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement are contingent on whether the company in question is bound by the collective bargaining agreement or not.

IG Metall has achieved this success!
IG Metall has so far achieved significant improvements in the area of temporary work through these collective bargaining agreements. For example, both base pay and overtime pay are increased based on the number of hours worked. With your support, temporary workers receive additional pay on top of their base pay based on the duration of their employment at the workplace. In addition to this, they receive two annual bonuses: vacation pay and the Christmas bonus (Weihnachtsgeld). And best of all: on top of these bonuses, IG Metall also provides an additional payment—the union dues supplement—during temporary employment.

Membership dues during temporary employment
In order to receive these bonuses, members must submit an application to their main employer: between May 19 and June 30, and between October 19 and November 30. Those who have been members for at least six months by June 30 or November 30 and have worked for at least six months at their main employer are eligible to receive these benefits. Further information on this topic is available at igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become a member of IG Metall today and enjoy these benefits:

• Support from the Workers’ Council is available to you at your workplace.
• The support center is one of 145 IG Metall branches located throughout Germany.
• A wide range of informational materials for temporary workers. 
• Verification of your employment status, your job classification, and your pay stubs.
• Legal advice regarding labor law and social security law.
• Legal protection in the event of disputes or violations of labor and social security laws.

 
You can become a member of IG Metall in the following ways
You can fill out the membership form online, on the internet, or on paper in your own language: igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest news and lots of other information on this page
igmetall.de/tempwork

Temporary Work Guide
Or download this guide on temporary work for yourself. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and many other topics. This guide is a reliable resource on temporary work. You can obtain a printed copy from IG Metall or download it online (PDF):Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in Germany).

You can contact us in the following ways
You can visit one of our 145 local branches to discuss issues related to temporary work. You can find the address of your nearest branch at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We provide our temporary workers with a dedicated hotline—the “Temporary Work Hotline.” You can call this number at0800 4463488

to connect with the hotline, and customer service representatives are available during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you call from a landline, there is no charge. If you call from a cell phone, the cost per minute will not exceed 42 cents. Confidentiality is very important to us.

Please contact us via email at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is widespread in the industries covered by IG Metall. Temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many temporary workers are fighting against this injustice and finding support in their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make temporary work fairer. We want you to be treated fairly and with respect at your workplace!

More than 100,000 temporary workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements through a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague, 
Do you earn less than your permanent colleagues? Are you not working in your field? Have you ever been removed from a company’s payroll? Was your assignment completed, and were you immediately laid off? Many temporary workers have already experienced this. But it doesn’t have to be this way: temporary workers have rights!

But what if you have problems with your employer? Temporary workers have the right to go to the works council of both the agency that employs them and the company they work for to ask for advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union can help if you’re a member.

What is temporary work?
Usually, an employment relationship is established directly with the company where you work. In contrast, a temporary employment relationship is a three-way arrangement between the employee and two companies: the staffing agency and the client company. Temporary workers are employed and paid by the staffing agency, which, however, assigns them for a specified period to the client company where they will perform their work.

What Do Labor Unions Do in Germany?
Trade unions campaign for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater employee participation in decision-making. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. Trade unions also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor law and social welfare law.
In Germany, labor unions are organized by industry rather than political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following industries: the metal and electrical industries, vehicle manufacturing, the steel industry, the wood and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are a temporary worker in one of these industries, IG Metall is the right place for you.

What Do Works Councils Do in Germany?
Works councils are elected by the entire workforce of a company and work to represent employees’ interests at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the trade union responsible for their respective industry. Works councils and labor unions have different roles: In Germany, basic conditions such as pay, working hours, and the number of vacation days are set in collective bargaining agreements. Only labor unions can negotiate these terms with the employer. Works councils are responsible for implementing them within the company and monitoring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and the Scope of Collective Bargaining
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In such cases, they are said to be not bound by collective bargaining agreements. Whether employees are entitled to specific benefits under collective bargaining agreements therefore depends on whether and how the employer is bound by a collective bargaining agreement.

Here’s what IG Metall has achieved!
IG Metall has already secured many improvements in the area of temporary work through its collective bargaining agreements. For example, monthly wages and industry-specific allowances are regularly increased under these agreements. Thanks to them, temporary workers receive a wage supplement based on the length of time they have worked at a given company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: a vacation bonus and a Christmas bonus. Best of all, IG Metall members receive additional pay—a membership bonus for temporary work.

Temporary Work Member Allowance
To receive this additional payment, members must submit an application to their staffing agency between May 19 and June 30 or between October 19 and November 30. All members who have been members for at least six months and have been employed by their staffing agency for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 are eligible. For more information, visitigmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and secure: 

• Active support within the company through IG Metall works councils
• expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 branches nationwide
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary workers
• review of employment contracts, job classifications, and payroll
• Expert advice on labor and social security law
• Free legal protection in disputes involving labor and social security law

How to Become an IG Metall Member
You can easily become a member online or by using a printed membership application form in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You’ll find the latest information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork

​Guide to Temporary Work
You can also download the guide for temporary workers. This guide contains information and advice on employment contracts, wages, working conditions, and many other topics. It’s a reliable companion for temporary work. You can obtain a printed copy from the IG Metall union or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Contact Us
For all matters related to temporary work, you can contact us at one of our 145 local offices in your area. You can find the contact information for your local office at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a free hotline specifically for our members who are temporary workers. The hotline is available at0800 4463488

and provides advice during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may incur charges of up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is very common in IG Metall’s sectors. And, all too often, temporary workers are treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many temporary workers are fighting against this injustice and are finding support from their union, IG Metall. We are fighting together to make temporary work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated fairly and respectfully at your workplace!
Over 100,000 temporary workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements through a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions or if you’re dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleagues,
do you earn less than your permanent colleagues? Are you working in a field different from your training? Have you ever been laid off by a client company? Did your assignment end and were you laid off immediately? Many temporary workers have already gone through this experience. But it doesn’t have to be this way: temporary workers have rights!
But what happens if there are problems with your employer? Temporary workers have the right to contact both the works council of the temporary staffing agency that employs them and that of the client company to seek advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union can help you if you’re a member.

What is temporary work?
Normally, the employment relationship is directly with the company where we work. In contrast, a temporary employment relationship is a three-way relationship between an employee and two companies: a temporary staffing agency and a client company. Temporary workers are employed and paid by the staffing agency. However, the staffing agency makes them available to the client company for a specific period of time. The employees then work at the client company.

The Role of Unions in Germany
Unions advocate for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater employee participation. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be honored. But they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, unions are organized by sector, not by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your sector. IG Metall represents workers in the following sectors: the metal and electrical industries, vehicle manufacturing, the steel industry, the wood and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are a temporary worker in one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right place for you.

The Role of Works Councils in Germany
Works councils are elected by all employees of a company and advocate for employees’ interests at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for the respective sector. Works councils and unions have different roles: in Germany, basic conditions such as wages, working hours, and the number of vacation days are established through collective bargaining agreements. Only unions have the right to negotiate these terms with the employer. Works councils are responsible for implementing collective bargaining agreements in the workplace and monitoring compliance with collective regulations.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Coverage of Collective Bargaining
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In this case, they are said to be outside the scope of collective bargaining. Therefore, whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective bargaining agreements depends on whether or not the employer is bound by the collective bargaining agreement and to what extent.

IG Metall has succeeded in this!
IG Metall has already secured many improvements regarding temporary work through its collective bargaining agreements. For example, there are regular increases in monthly wages and sector-specific bonuses under the collective bargaining agreements. Through these, temporary workers receive a wage supplement based on the length of time they have worked at a company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: a vacation bonus and a Christmas bonus. Furthermore, IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the member benefit for temporary work.

Member Benefit for Temporary Work
To receive the additional payment, members must submit an application to their employer between May 19 and June 30 or between October 19 and November 30. All those who, as of June 30 or November 30, have been members for at least six months and have been employed by the company for at least six months are eligible. More information at igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and secure the following:

• Active support within the client company through IG Metall works councils.
• Expert assistance at one of the 145 local IG Metall branches—nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary workers.
• Review of the employment contract, job classification, and pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal protection in labor and social security disputes.

How to Become an IG Metall Member
You can easily become a member online or by filling out a printed membership application in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/membership-form

You can find the latest information and much more at
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Temporary Work
Or get the guide for temporary workers. This guide provides information and advice on employment contracts, income, working conditions, and much more. It’s your trusted companion for temporary work. You can get a printed copy from the IG Metall union in your country or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Contact Us
For all matters related to temporary work, you can contact us at one of our 145 offices near you. You can find the contact information for your local branch at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a toll-free counseling hotline specifically for our members who work in temporary employment—the Temporary Employment Hotline. It is available at0800 4463488

and offers consultations during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may be charged at a maximum rate of 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a matter of course for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is widely used in the industries covered by IG Metall. And temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees. Such treatment is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many temporary workers are standing up against this injustice and finding support in their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make temporary work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated with care and respect at your workplace!
More than 100,000 workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that improvements can only be achieved through a strong community. If you want to help improve working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your workplace, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague, 
Do you earn less than your colleagues who are permanent employees? Are you not working in your field of expertise? Have you ever been suspended from your temporary job? Did your assignment end, and were you fired outright? Many temporary workers have already faced this. It doesn’t have to be this way: temporary workers have rights!
But what if problems arise with your employer? Temporary workers are allowed to contact the works council at both their company and their operating company to request advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union also provides assistance if you are a member.

What is temporary employment?
Typically, an employee has an employment relationship directly with the company where they work. In contrast, a temporary employment relationship involves a relationship between the employee and two companies: the staffing agency and the client company. Temporary workers are hired and paid by the staffing agency. However, this makes them available to the client company for a specific period of time. The temporary workers then perform their duties at the client company.

What Trade Unions Do in Germany
Trade unions advocate for fairer wages, improved working conditions, and greater rights and opportunities. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. But they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, labor unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents workers in sectors such as the metal and electrical engineering industries, the automotive industry, metallurgy, the woodworking and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the information technology sector. If you work as a temporary employee in one of these sectors, you’ve come to the right place at IG Metall.

What Works Councils Do in Germany
Works councils are elected by all employees at a company and represent workers’ interests at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for their industry. Works councils and unions have different roles: key conditions such as wages, working hours, and vacation days are determined in Germany by collective bargaining agreements. Only unions are authorized to negotiate with employers. Works councils are responsible for implementing operational processes and ensuring compliance with collective agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Wage Indexation
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In such cases, they are said to be not bound by collective bargaining agreements. Thus, whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective bargaining agreements depends on whether the employer is bound by them and to what extent.

This is what IG Metall has achieved!
Thanks to its collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already secured many improvements in the world of salaried employment. As a result, there are regular increases in monthly pay (salaries) and industry-specific wage supplements. Thanks to these, salaried employees receive a supplement to their salary based on their length of service at the company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: vacation pay and a Christmas bonus. And best of all: IG Metall members are entitled to an additional payment—the membership employment allowance.

Membership Benefit for Temporary Employment
Each member must submit an application to their company to receive the additional payment: during the periods from May 19 to June 30 and from October 19 to November 30, respectively. Eligibility applies to anyone who was a member as of June 30 and November 30, respectively, and had worked at their company for at least six months. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metal member right now and rest assured:

• Active support in operational matters from IG Metall works councils.
• Qualified assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local offices nationwide.
• Comprehensive information materials for temporary workers.
• Review of your employment contract, registration, and payroll.
• Expert consultations in the field of labor and social law.
• Free legal representation in labor and social security disputes.

How to Become a Member of IG Metall
You can easily join online or by filling out a printed membership application in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest information and much more at
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Employment
Or pick up the guide for temporary workers. This guide provides you with information and advice about your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s your reliable companion for temporary work. You can print it out from your IG Metal online store or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Contact Us
For any questions related to temporary employment services, you can contact us at one of our 145 offices located near you. You can find the contact information for your local office at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a free telephone counseling service—the Temporary Work Hotline—specifically for our members who are temporary workers. The hotline at0800 4463488

is available and ready to assist at any time:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may cost up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or send us an email:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is widespread across the industries covered by IG Metall. And workers in temporary positions are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many contract workers are fighting against this injustice and are finding support in their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make contract work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and with respect at your company!
More than 100,000 contract workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only bring about improvements through a strong union. If you want to help shape working conditions or are dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleagues,
Do you earn less than your colleagues who are permanently employed? Are you unable to pursue your professional education? Have you already been let go from a company where you were temporarily employed? Was your contract terminated and were you laid off immediately afterward? Many temporary workers have already experienced this. It doesn’t have to be this way: Temporary workers have rights!
But what if there are problems with the employer? Temporary agency workers can visit the Assistance Council—whether at the company that hires temporary agency workers or at the company where they are temporarily employed—to ask for advice or support. And of course, the IG Metall union will also help if you’re a member.

What is temporary work?
Usually, you have an employment relationship directly with the company where you work. In temporary agency work, however, the employment relationship is a three-way arrangement between the employee and two companies: the company that hires workers for temporary agency work and the company that provides the workforce—or the temporary staffing agency. Contract workers are hired and paid by the staffing agency. However, the agency makes them available to the client company for a specified period of time. That is where the employees work.

This is what labor unions do in Germany
Unions advocate for fairer pay, better working conditions, and greater participation. To achieve this, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, and these agreements must be honored. However, they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents employees in the following industries: the metal and electrical industries, the automotive industry, the steel, wood, and plastics industries, the textile industry, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector.
If you’re employed on a temporary contract in any of these sectors, then IG Metall is the right place for you.

This is what works councils do in Germany
Company councils are elected by the entire workforce and advocate for employees’ interests at the company level. Most company councils in Germany work closely with the union responsible for that sector. Works councils and unions have different roles: Fundamental conditions such as pay, working hours, or the number of days of annual leave are established by collective bargaining agreements in Germany. Only unions have the right to negotiate these matters with the employer. Company works councils are responsible for operational implementation and monitor compliance with the provisions of collective agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and the Obligation to Comply
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers to whom a collective bargaining agreement does not apply. In such cases, they are not bound by collective bargaining obligations. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under the collective bargaining agreement depends on whether and how the employer is bound by such obligations.

IG Metall has made this happen!
IG Metall has already achieved many improvements in temporary employment through its collective bargaining agreements. For example, there are regular increases in monthly pay (wages) and industry-specific wage supplements. Through these agreements, temporary workers receive a supplement to their pay based on the length of their employment with a particular company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: an annual leave allowance and a Christmas bonus. And best of all: There is also a supplement for IG Metall members—a membership benefit for temporary work.

Membership Benefit for Temporary Work
To receive the supplement, members must submit an application to their staffing agency between May 19 and June 30, or between October 19 and November 30. Everyone who has been a member for at least six months by June 30 or November 30 and has been employed for at least six months by their staffing agency is eligible. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become a member of IG Metall now and secure the following benefits:

• Active support from the IG Metall Works Council for companies that hire temporary workers.
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local offices—nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for workers in temporary employment.
• Review of your employment contract, your job classification, and your pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal representation in labor and social security disputes.

Here’s how to become an IG Metall member
You can easily become a member online or by filling out a printed membership application form in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork

Guide to Long-Term Employment
Or get a guide to temporary work. This guide provides information and advice about your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s your reliable companion for temporary work. You can pick up a copy at your local IG Metall office or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Reach Us
You can find us at one of our 145 local offices near you for any questions regarding temporary work. Below, you can find the contact information for your local office:igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a special free hotline for our members in temporary employment—a dedicated hotline for temporary work. The hotline is available at0800 4463488

and you can get advice during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from a landline are free. Calls from a cell phone are charged at a maximum rate of 42 cents per minute. Reliability is a given for us.

Or email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

The German union IG Metall defends your rights
Temporary work is a widespread alternative across IG Metall’s sectors. Temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees—a disrespectful and unacceptable practice. Many temporary workers are standing up for themselves, with the help of their union IG Metall, against this injustice. We’re joining forces to fight for fairer and more dignified temporary work. Our goal is for you to be treated with respect and decency by your employer.

To date, more than 100,000 temporary workers have organized within the IG Metall union. We know that improvements will only be possible if we build a strong community. If you want to help shape your working conditions, or if you’re dissatisfied with the conditions your company imposes on you, join the IG Metall union.

You should know that you are protected by a number of rights.
Dear colleague:
Are you earning less than your colleagues with permanent contracts? Are you not doing the job you were trained for? Has a client company ever terminated your employment? Did your project-based contract with the client company end, and were you immediately laid off? Unfortunately, these are unpleasant experiences that many temporary workers have gone through. But it doesn’t have to be this way: Temporary workers also have rights.
But what happens when problems arise with the employer? Temporary workers have every right to consult with the works council at the client company or seek support from the staffing agency when problems arise. Of course, the IG Metall union will also help you if you’re a member.

What is meant by temporary work or labor leasing?
Normally, the employment relationship is established directly with the company where you work. However, temporary employment involves a triangular relationship between a worker and two companies: a temporary staffing agency (ETT) and a client company. The worker receives their wages for temporary work from the temporary staffing agency (ETT). The ETT provides these services for a specified period to the client company. It is at the client company where these employees perform their work.

This is how unions operate in Germany
Unions fight for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater active participation. To achieve these goals, they sign collective bargaining agreements with employers—agreements that must always be honored. They also defend the individual interests of their members in matters related to labor and social law.

Trade unions in Germany are organized by sector, not by political ideology. When you join a union, you become a member of the union corresponding to your sector. The IG Metall union represents workers in the following sectors: the electrical and mechanical engineering industries, the automotive industry, the steel, wood, and plastics industries, the textile sector, the skilled trades, industrial services, contract logistics, and the information technology sector. If you work as a temporary employee in any of these sectors, the IG Metall union is exactly what you need.

Here’s how works councils (Betriebsräte) work in Germany
Works councils are elected by the entire workforce of each company and represent the interests of all workers within that company. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the union representing their respective sector. The roles of works councils and unions are distinct: basic conditions such as wages, working hours, and vacation days are established in Germany through collective bargaining agreements. These collective bargaining agreements can only be negotiated by the unions with the employer. Works councils are responsible for ensuring that each collective bargaining agreement is implemented and enforced within the company.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and the Obligation to Comply
Each employer typically has a different collective bargaining agreement. Some are not governed by any collective bargaining agreement at all. In such cases, the company is referred to as not subject to a collective bargaining agreement. It therefore depends on the employee’s collective bargaining agreement and its provisions whether the employee is entitled to certain benefits under the signed agreement.

And IG Metall has achieved this.
IG Metall has secured many improvements through its collective bargaining agreements for temporary employment. As a result, there are now periodic wage increases in monthly pay and sector-specific supplements regulated by collective bargaining agreements. Through these supplements, temporary employees receive additional pay based on the duration of their contract. They also receive two bonus payments throughout the year: the vacation bonus and the Christmas bonus. And best of all, they are also entitled to the so-called temporary employment bonus for being members of IG Metall (Member Benefit for Temporary Work).

Temporary Employment Bonus: The Benefit of Being an IG Metall Member
To receive this bonus, each member must submit an application to the respective temporary staffing agency, always between May 19 and June 30 and/or October 19 and November 30. This bonus is available to anyone who, as of June 30 and/or November 30, has been a member of our union for six months and has been employed by their temporary staffing agency for at least six months. You can find more information at igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Join the IG Metall union now and make sure you receive:

• Real support at the host company provided by IG Metall’s works councils.
• Expert assistance from the federal network of 145 IG Metall offices located throughout Germany.
• Extensive informational materials for employees and temporary workers.
• Review of your employment contract, as well as the job classification assigned to you and your pay stub.
• Comprehensive, expert advice on social and labor law.
• Free legal assistance in labor and social security law disputes

Here’s how you can join the IG Metall union
To become a member of our union, simply sign up online or by filling out a printed membership application in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find more information at
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Temporary Work
You also have the option to obtain the guide on temporary work. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, pay, working conditions, and much more. It will instantly become your reliable guide for everything related to temporary work. You can request a printed copy from your IG Metall union or print it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

To contact us
about any aspect related to temporary work, please contact the nearest office in our national network of 145 offices directly. You can find the contact information for the office nearest you at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a toll-free hotline for our members who are temporary workers, called the Temporary Work Hotline. The number for this hotline is0800 4463488

and its hours of operation are
Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls are free from landlines. Calls from cell phones may cost up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

You can also contact us by email:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is widespread across IG Metall’s sectors. And temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees—disrespected and marginalized. Many temporary workers are fighting back against this injustice, and they find support from their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make temporary work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and with respect at your workplace.
More than 100,000 temporary workers are already organized through IG Metall. They know that only through a strong union can they achieve improvements. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the situation at your company, join IG Metall. 

You have rights!
Dear colleague,
do you earn less money than your permanently employed colleagues? Are you not working in the field you studied? Have you ever been removed from a temporary assignment? Was your assignment terminated there, and were you given a direct notice of termination? Many temporary workers have already experienced this.
But it doesn’t have to be that way:
Temporary workers have rights!
But what happens if there are problems with your employer? Temporary workers can contact the works council at both the agency that assigned them and the host company to ask for advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union will also help if you’re a member.

What is temporary employment?
Normally, a person has an employment relationship directly with the company where they work. Temporary employment, on the other hand, involves a three-way relationship between the employee and two companies: the agency that provides the worker and the client company that hires the worker. Employees in temporary employment are employed and paid by the company that has assigned them. However, they are made available to the company that has hired them—the client company—for a fixed period. That is where the employees then work. 

This is what labor unions do in Germany
Trade unions advocate for fair pay, better working conditions, and greater employee participation in decision-making. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. They also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.
In Germany, labor unions are organized by industry, not by political affiliation. You join the labor union that represents your industry. IG Metall represents employees in the following sectors: the metal and electrical industries, automotive manufacturing, the steel industry, wood and plastics, the textile sector, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are a temporary worker assigned to one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right choice for you.

This is what works councils do in Germany
Works councils are elected by the entire workforce and represent the interests of employees at the company level. Most works councils in Germany work closely with the trade union organization relevant to their industry. Works councils and labor unions have different roles: fundamental conditions such as pay, working hours, and the number of vacation days are set forth in collective bargaining agreements in Germany. Only labor unions are authorized to negotiate these terms with the employer. Works councils are responsible for advancing the employees’ interests within the company and for monitoring compliance with the terms of the collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Coverage by Collective Bargaining Agreements
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers for whom no collective bargaining agreement applies. In such cases, they are said to be not bound by a collective bargaining agreement. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under a collective bargaining agreement therefore depends on whether and how the employer is bound by such an agreement.

IG Metall has achieved this!
Through its collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already achieved many improvements for workers on temporary contracts. As a result, there are regular increases in monthly pay (wages) and industry-specific allowances. Through these, employees in temporary employment always receive an allowance added to their pay based on the length of their assignment at the company. In addition, they receive a special payment twice a year: vacation pay and a 13th month’s salary at Christmas. And best of all: IG Metall members also receive an additional payment—a membership benefit for temporary employment. 

Member Benefit for Temporary Employment
To receive the special payment, members must always submit an application to the company that has assigned them: between May 19 and June 30, or between October 19 and November 30. All those who, as of June 30 or November 30, had been members for at least six months and had been employed for at least six months by the company that assigned them are eligible. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and secure:

• Effective on-site support from IG Metall—works councils
• Expert assistance at one of IG Metall’s 145 local branches—throughout the federal state.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary workers.
• Review of your employment contract, your pay grade, and your pay stubs.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal protection in labor and social law disputes.

Here’s how to become an IG Metall member
You can easily become a member online or by using a printed membership application form in your language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

For the latest information and more, visit
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Temporary Employment
Or pick up the Guide for Employees in Temporary Employment. This guide provides information and advice on your employment contract, your pay, your working conditions, and much more. It’s a reliable guide to temporary work. You can get a printed copy at your local IG Metall office or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

Here’s how to reach us
For all inquiries regarding temporary work, you can reach us at one of our 145 local branches near you. You can find the contact information for your local branch at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We’ve set up a free telephone counseling service—the Temporary Work Hotline—specifically for our members in temporary employment. The number is0800 4463488

and is available for advice during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free of charge.
Calls from a cell phone may incur charges of up to 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or send us an email at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary work is very common in IG Metall’s industries. And temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Most temporary workers are standing up for themselves against this injustice, and they are supported in this by their union, IG Metall. We are fighting together for fairer and more equitable treatment of temporary workers. We want you to be treated fairly and with respect at work!
More than 100,000 temporary workers have already organized with IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements through a strong union. If you want to help shape your working conditions or are dissatisfied with the situation at your workplace, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleague,
Are you earning less than your permanent coworkers? Are you not working in the profession you were trained for? Have you been recalled from a company where you were previously assigned? Did your assignment there end and were you laid off immediately? The same thing has happened to many temporary workers. But it doesn’t have to be this way: Temporary workers have rights!
But what happens when you run into problems with your employer? Temporary workers can turn to the employee representative office at both their staffing agency and the company where they’re assigned to request counseling and support. And if you’re a member of the IG Metall union, they’ll help you, too.

What is temporary work?
Your employment relationship is normally established directly with the company you work for. A temporary employment relationship, however, is a triangular relationship between the worker and two companies: a staffing agency and a client company. Those employed in temporary work are hired and paid by the staffing agency. However, they are assigned to the client company for a specific period of time. That is where they actually work.

What unions do in Germany
Unions fight for fair pay, better working conditions, and a greater say in the workplace. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers that are legally binding. However, they also represent the individual interests of their members in matters related to labor law and social welfare law.
In Germany, unions are organized by industry rather than along political lines. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following sectors: the metal and electronics industries, automotive manufacturing, the steel industry, wood and plastics, the textile sector, skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT sector. If you are assigned to work as a temporary worker in one of these sectors, IG Metall is the right place for you.

In Germany, employee representatives do the following
Employee representatives are elected by all staff at a company and protect employees’ interests at the company level. Most employee representatives in Germany work closely with the union responsible for their sector. Employee representatives and unions have different roles: Basic conditions such as wages, working hours, or the number of days off are determined in collective bargaining agreements in Germany. Only unions can negotiate these terms with employers. Employee representatives are responsible for implementing these terms within the company and monitoring compliance with collective bargaining agreement provisions.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Compliance with Them
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers for whom a collective bargaining agreement does not apply. In this case, they are said not to be bound by a collective bargaining agreement. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under a collective bargaining agreement depends on whether the employer is bound by it and, if so, to what extent.

IG Metall’s Achievements!
Thanks to collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already secured numerous improvements for temporary workers. For example, there are regular increases in monthly pay (wages) and industry-specific bonuses based on the collective bargaining agreement. Temporary workers thus receive a bonus based on the length of their employment at a company. In addition, they receive two special payments each year: vacation pay and a Christmas bonus. And best of all: IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the Temporary Work Member Benefit.

Temporary Worker Member Benefit
To receive the extra payment, members must submit a request to each of their temporary staffing agencies during the following periods: May 19 through June 30 and October 19 through November 30. Members who have been members for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 and who have been employed by their temporary staffing agencies for at least six months are eligible for this benefit. For more information, visit igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and enjoy the following benefits:

• Effective support at your workplace through IG Metall employee representatives.
• Expert assistance at one of the 145 IG Metall local chapters nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary workers.
• Review of employment contracts, job classifications, and pay stubs.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal protection in cases involving labor and social security law.

What you need to do to become an IG Metall member
You can easily join online or by submitting a membership application in your own language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest information and more at
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Temporary Work
Or get the guide for temporary workers. This guide provides information and guidance on your employment contract, income, working conditions, and much more. This guide is your reliable companion for temporary work. You can obtain a printed copy from IG Metall or download it online (PDF): Ratgeber Leiharbeit (German guide for temporary workers)

How to Contact Us
For all matters related to temporary work, you can reach us at one of our 145 local branches near you. You can find the branch’s contact information at igmetall.de/vor-ort

We’ve set up a free advice hotline specifically for our members in temporary work, called the Temporary Work Hotline. You can reach the hotline at 0800 4463488

and take advantage of our advisory services during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and
Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones may incur charges of up to 42 cents per minute. Privacy is our top priority.

Or you can email us at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de

IG Metall is here for you
Temporary staffing is widespread in IG Metall’s sectors. And temporary workers are often treated as second-class employees. This is disrespectful and unacceptable. Many temporary agency workers are fighting against this injustice and are finding support from their union, IG Metall. Together, we’re fighting to make temporary agency work fairer and more equitable. We want you to be treated properly and with respect at your company!

More than 100,000 temporary agency workers have already joined IG Metall. They know that they can only achieve improvements by being part of a strong community. If you’d like to help shape your working conditions, or if you’re dissatisfied with the conditions at your company, join IG Metall.

You have rights!
Dear colleagues,
Did you earn less than your colleagues who were permanently employed? Are you not working in your field? Have you ever been laid off from a company? Did your assignment there end and were you immediately laid off? Many temporary agency workers have experienced this. But it doesn’t have to be this way: temporary agency workers have rights!
But what if you have problems with your employer? Temporary workers have the right to contact the works council of both the staffing agency and the company where they are assigned to work, and to ask for advice or support. And, of course, the IG Metall union can also help if you’re a member.

What is temporary staffing?
Normally, an individual’s employment relationship is established directly with the company where they work. Temporary employment, however, involves a three-way relationship between the employee and two companies: the staffing agency and the client company. Temporary workers are employed and paid by the client company. The staffing agency, however, makes them available to the client company for a certain period of time. The employees then work there.

This is what labor unions are doing in Germany
Trade unions campaign for fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater autonomy. To this end, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, which must be adhered to. They also represent the individual interests of their members in matters of labor and social law.

In Germany, unions are organized by industry rather than by political affiliation. You join the union responsible for your industry. IG Metall represents workers in the following industries: the metal and electrical industries, automotive manufacturing, the steel industry, the wood and plastics industries, the textile industry, the skilled trades, industry-related services, contract logistics, and the IT industry. If you are a temporary worker in any of these sectors, IG Metall is the right place for you.

This is what works councils do in Germany
Works councils are elected by the company’s entire workforce and advocate for employees’ interests at the company level. In Germany, most works councils work closely with the trade union responsible for the industry. Works councils and trade unions have different roles: In Germany, fundamental conditions such as pay, working hours, and the number of vacation days are set forth in collective bargaining agreements. Only the labor unions are authorized to negotiate these terms with the employer. Works councils are responsible for ensuring their implementation in the workplace and for monitoring compliance with the collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Collective Bargaining Coverage
Different employers often have different collective bargaining agreements. There are also employers who are not subject to a collective bargaining agreement. In such cases, they state that they are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Whether employees are entitled to certain benefits under collective bargaining agreements therefore depends on whether the employer is bound by such agreements and, if so, to what extent.

IG Metall has achieved this!
Through collective bargaining agreements, IG Metall has already achieved numerous improvements in the field of temporary staffing. For example, monthly wages and industry-specific supplements are regularly increased under these agreements. As a result, temporary agency workers receive a wage supplement based on the length of time they have been with the company. In addition, they receive two special payments each year: the holiday bonus and the Christmas bonus. And best of all, IG Metall members receive an additional payment—the membership allowance for temporary agency work.

Membership Benefits for Temporary Workers
To claim the supplementary payment, members must apply to their staffing agency between May 19 and June 30, or between October 19 and November 30. Eligibility requires that members have been members for at least six months as of June 30 or November 30 and have been employed by their staffing agency for at least six months. For more information: igmetall.de/tarif/tarifrunden/leiharbeit/mitgliedervorteil-in-verschiedenen-sprachen

Become an IG Metall member now and secure the following for yourself:

• Active support within the company through IG Metall’s works councils.
• Expert assistance on-site at one of IG Metall’s 145 locations—nationwide.
• Comprehensive informational materials for temporary workers.
• Review of your employment contract, job classification, and pay stub.
• Expert advice on labor and social security law.
• Free legal representation in labor and social law disputes.

How to Become an IG Metall Member
It’s easy to become a member online or by filling out a membership application printed in your own language:
igmetall.de/beitreten
igmetall.de/beitrittsformular

You can find the latest information and further details on the following pages:
igmetall.de/tempwork
 
Guide to Temporary Employment
Or get the guide designed for employees of temporary staffing agencies. This guide provides information and advice on employment contracts, pay, working conditions, and much more. It’s a reliable resource for temporary work. You can obtain a printed copy from the IG Metall union or download it online at the following address: Ratgeber Leiharbeit (Guide for Temporary Workers in German)

How to Reach Us
If you have any questions about temporary staffing, you can reach us at one of our 145 offices near you. You can find the contact information for your local office at: igmetall.de/vor-ort

We have set up a free advice line specifically for our members working in temporary staffing—the Temporary Staffing Hotline. The hotline is available at the following number and times:0800 4463488

Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and
on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Calls from landlines are free. Calls from cell phones are charged at a maximum rate of 42 cents per minute. Confidentiality is a given for us.

Or send us an email at:
leiharbeit@igmetall.de