Munich – “Digitization and globalization are changing the specifications of the unions – we have a whole new dynamic to deal with – jobs and work organization in companies will change dramatically, which requires a new quality of operating, industry and collective bargaining Nothing is given to us, but we do not shy away from conflict, “said Jürgen Kerner, principal cashier of IG Metall, in his speech on 1 May on Tuesday in Munich.
Kerner emphasized the unions’ responsibility to society: “Politics are stagnant and lose themselves too often in symbolic debates, employers are fixated on their slide rules, absolutizing their quarterly figures, unions have their strength in factories, and we need that strength We need to get our power back on the road, only then will our lives be safe, just and self-determined. “
The companies have to do more to safeguard skilled workers in the companies than before, because the changes in the world of work demand new qualifications, demanded Kerner. “It takes real HR development strategies, and above all, more time and money for training and education, to be prepared for digital forms of work and processes, new jobs and business, and to secure employment.” We have to fire the employers, we call for Works councils the right of initiative for further training. “
Kerner criticized the proposal from politics and business for an unconditional basic income. “What calculus connects employers with the unconditional basic income, Mr. Kaeser makes clear when he says, in the digital transition, some will fall by the wayside because they just can not keep up with the speed in the world. (.) There’s one The reason for this is that corporations are fired as they like, but the state has to take responsibility, which we will not accept, we will not allow employers to steal responsibility, “said Kerner.
In the impending change in the world of work, works councils play an outstanding role. Therefore, the results of the works council elections which have been running since March are of particular importance. “It is good for the future that the works councils of the DGB unions are so strongly represented,” said Kerner. In addition, it had managed to keep right-wing populists away from the factories. Only in a few companies had right-wing lists started, which had hardly achieved any mandates. “The fact is that the right-wing populists have no solutions to the concerns and needs of the people.To today’s questions, there are no answers from the day before.The competent solutions we develop – the works councils, staff councils and bodies of trust with strong unions in the back May 1 slogan: Solidarity – Diversity – Justice. “