IG Metall does without four -day week - demand for investments!

IG Metall does without four -day week - demand for investments!

Deutschland - The IG Metall is currently facing an important turn in its tariff policy. Boss Christiane Benner has made it clear that the union will initially do without the demand for a four-day week with full wage compensation. In an interview with the "Bild", she justified this course with the currently difficult economic situation, which many companies are burdening, and called for reasonable political measures to stabilize the economic situation. Employers would often shorten working hours, which leads to an additional burden on employees. For this reason, Benner demands major investments in Germany from the new federal government and relief for employees to improve the framework conditions.

Benner took over the management of IG Metall at a crucial time. In 2024, there is a "super tariff year" because this year collective bargaining is pending in seven industries, with the metal and electrical industry playing the biggest role with 3.9 million employees. Benner has made it clear that the focus of the upcoming negotiations will be on payment issues and not on a 32-hour week. This decision is in the context, since in the steel industry last autumn, both wage increases and working hours flexibility were required.

focus on employee needs

IG Metall has already started to question the workforce about the current mood, which is influenced by inflation and increased energy prices. Benner emphasizes the concept of "working time sovereignty", which gives the employed options between time and money. Gratifying experiences show that many employees have a preference for more free time if this choice.

In addition, the IG Metall has introduced new framework conditions in the collective bargaining. Employees with special needs, such as parents or caring relatives, have been able to choose between additional tariff money and up to 8 additional free days a year since 2018. These regulations have recently been further improved, so that parents of children up to 12 years can now choose additional days off, and employees are also entitled to more free time after five years of service. The application deadline for the T-Zug days was extended until January 31, 2025 in order to better meet the needs of employees.

economic policy appeals

Christiane Benner also expressed concerns about economic stability in Germany. IG Metall observes a critical phase of industry and calls for a clear signal from politics to reduce uncertainties for both companies and employees. In her analysis, Benner warns that the current climate goals may lead to an overwhelming economy and society.

She questioned the implementation of the climate goals and pleads for a reform of the debt brake or the creation of a special fund to finance the necessary investments. It is estimated that between 500 and 600 billion euros are required. Benner argues that the ecological damage could be due to those of today's debts by 2050, if not traded in time.

Overall, IG Metall shows with its current course that it not only has an eye on the interests of employees in tariff policy, but also wants to redesign the economic framework for a sustainable development of industry and business location Germany. The focus is on the demand for faster investments and a responsible energy policy.