Cologne – Christiane Benner, Second Chairwoman of the IG Metall, has called on employers and politicians to shape the societal change that is to be expected as a result of digitization together with IG Metall. The unionist criticized employers’ lack of ideas: “More than two-thirds of executives say they have no idea what digitization is doing in factories, which is negligent, so every business needs a precise digitalization strategy plan We have a right to know what is in store for him or her, and we do not leave employers out of responsibility, “Benner said at a rally on May 1 in Cologne.
It was important to build trust in people. The workers should not be left alone and the unions were also at the table. “Good work and as many winners as possible – that’s important for democracy and social cohesion in our society,” emphasized Benner. Therefore, the state must also fulfill its responsibility and support people in continuing education. “To shape the digital transition, a large community project must be flanked by government, employers and unions and broad-based skills programs,” the unionist said. “The Employment Agency must evolve into an agency for work and qualification.” The agency should provide assistance and make appropriate training offers. Maintaining and developing the qualifications of job seekers must take precedence over rapid mediation.
The second chairwoman of the IG Metall also warned the government to finally legislate the right of return of part-time full-time without thresholds. Stuck in part-time work would cause a career break for many women or lead them to a dead end from which they would not find it easy anymore. “Hundreds of thousands of women and men are waiting for one of the great equality and justice projects of our time to finally arrive.” The law is also important to close the pay gap. Because still the average pay gap of the charges of men and women amounts to 21 per cent. Gender equality policy is still hard work in the 21st century. Therefore, Benner called on men and women to work together for equality according to the 1st of May motto: “Justice can only be enforced because we are diverse and stand together in solidarity!”