Frankfurt am Main – With a view to the last week of session of the Bundestag and the draft for the federal budget in 2025, IG Metall warns further courage to invest. At the same time, recognizing social responsibility and warding off the increasingly violent attacks on the welfare state, in addition to perspectives for employees, is crucial for the social climate in the country, the union emphasized.
Christiane Benner, first chairman of IG Metall, illustrated: “Investing, investing, investing is now the order of the day. In too many places, we still see deficits in financial resources, for example with important hydrogen technology. Industry and its employees need money for clear perspectives for a safe future. Without industry, Germany is a poor country. What must also be clear: Investing in the future, but no cuts in social.”
Orientation in the federal budget towards significant investment growth is a good signal for modernization, employment and location strengthening. According to the union, this and the rapid use of funds from the special fund infrastructure provide some important impulses for both long -term planning security and for the quick overcoming of the current crisis.
The record investments, especially in infrastructure, energy and security, are correct and continue to jump too short in some places: With the cuts in promoting the hydrogen wheal, the draft budget sends a completely wrong signal. The medium -term financial planning of the national hydrogen strategy is reduced to a third. This puts a strain on the planning and investment decisions of the companies and harms the competitiveness of the industrial location.
The relief for energy costs cannot come early enough: the lowering of electricity tax and the network charges are correct and vital for industry and its employees. The IG Metall sees that this should not apply to other industries and consumers.
Overall, the continued existence of the debt brake beyond defense spending is a problem. An offensive investment policy threatens to get under increasingly stronger financing reservation. The already problematic social flanking of industrial conversion is even more at risk.
Further information:
The board of IG Metall consists of the first chairman, the second chairman, the main cashier, as well as two other managing and 29 volunteer board members.
The board represents IG Metall internally and outside. He is obliged to conscientiously perceive the interests of the union. The board must monitor compliance with the statutes and to carry out the decisions of the union day and advisory board. He also decides on tariff terminations, primeval votes and work settings after examination.