Frankfurt – IG Metall will now intervene in the federal election campaign in order to secure jobs in Germany in this way. The board of IG Metall today decided on the demands with which the union wants to confront the political parties and their candidates in the next few weeks.
“Industry is a crucial cornerstone of employment in our country. Around eight million jobs in Germany directly depend on the industry,” said Christiane Benner, the first chairwoman of IG Metall, to journalists on the sidelines of the board meeting. “The election campaign must not become a competition about who can use the shrillest tone on the issues of migration or citizens’ money. Rather, the central issue must be the existential question of how we maintain industrial value creation, secure today’s jobs and create new perspectives for tomorrow’s work. How we organize our economy, work and life in a just, safe and fair manner.”
Jürgen Kerner, second chairman of IG Metall, emphasized: “Especially on issues such as the energy transition and the need for investment, there is a broad consensus – despite all the disputes over the details. With the exception of a few stubborn ideologues and die-hards, trade unions, industrial associations and science basically agree on what needs to be done. It is time for political parties of all stripes to agree on what these experts have long described as necessary for industry and jobs – and to ensure solid financing of the measures. The next government must be a coalition of implementation. Otherwise, many good, collectively protected and fairly paid jobs will be lost.”
The central demands of IG Metall include, among other things, a faster expansion of renewable energies, a federal investment offensive and a socially designed funding package for the faster ramp-up of electromobility. IG Metall is convinced that a reform of the debt brake is needed to ensure solid financing of these necessary measures. What is also necessary is the expansion of labor market policy instruments, more co-determination, more collective bargaining and a secure pension in order to ensure security in times of change.
IG Metall plans to continue its commitment to safe and good work in industry even after the federal election. With a nationwide day of action, the union wants to draw politicians’ attention to future and employment prospects, especially in the phase of exploratory talks and coalition negotiations. The day of action is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in parallel in the five cities of Hanover, Leipzig, Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Tens of thousands of participants are expected.
The complete demands for the federal election can be found here be downloaded.