Jan Otto: New IG Metall district manager for Berlin and Saxony!

Jan Otto: New IG Metall district manager for Berlin and Saxony!

The trade unionist Jan Otto took on a new key position on September 8, 2025: He was appointed district manager of IG Metall for Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony. At 44, Otto has more than 20 years of experience in trade union work, which he gained, among other things, as the first representative in Berlin and East Saxony. His career impressively shows how committed he is to the rights of workers. The board of IG Metall emphasizes that the challenges facing the industry, particularly those arising from digitalization and the changing global economy, must now be at the top of the agenda. Details can be found in IG Metall.

Otto is not only an experienced trade unionist, but also a well-known networker. In his previous role as First Representative of IG Metall in Berlin, he drove forward the transformation of the industry, particularly through the integration of new high-tech companies in the East, which, in his opinion, also require operational co-determination. IG Metall is well positioned in the relevant regions and plans to present a united front in order to offer its members a strong foundation.

Successes and challenges

His successes speak for themselves: Under Otto's leadership in Berlin, the Mercedes engine plant was converted into a sustainable production facility for electric motors. He was also able to obtain an employment guarantee until 2029. He has also achieved groundbreaking collective agreements in negotiations with companies such as ASML and CARIAD, which play a central role for the digital economy.

With a clear focus on digital transformation and new areas of work, such as the platform economy, Otto plans to significantly strengthen IG Metall. His vision also goes beyond mere advocacy. He emphasized how important it is to strongly organize employees and maintain political contacts in order to position the union for the future.

Community work in the district

Together with Thomas Knabel, the first representative of IG Metall Zwickau, and Stefanie Jahn, the first representative of IG Metall Potsdam-Oranienburg, Otto is striving to strengthen the team spirit in the district. They all agree that union community work is crucial to success in the new district. With a total of 13 branches and over 140,000 members, the district will not only shape the working conditions of hundreds of thousands of employees in industry and trade, but will also play an important role in collective bargaining policy.

The current developments are not only locally exciting, but also shed light on the challenges arising from digitalization across the entire trade union sector. According to a recent report on WSI, unions have significant agency, but still need to optimize their strategies to improve cooperation between different levels.

Jan Otto's appointment and his plans could not only revolutionize the district association, but also provide far-reaching impetus for industries that are still facing major challenges in the digital future. His leadership and vision could be the key to repositioning IG Metall in these transformative times and representing members' interests more effectively. The path certainly leads through strong collaborations and a clear focus on the upcoming developments in the world of work.