The IG Metall collective agreement 2018: What you need to know

The IG Metall collective agreement is one of the most influential collective bargaining agreements in Germany’s labor market. It sets the standard for wages, benefits, and working conditions in the metal and engineering industries across the country. In 2018, the collective agreement underwent significant changes that impacted millions of workers and business owners.

Here’s what you need to know about the IG Metall collective agreement 2018:

1. Wage increases

The most significant change in the 2018 agreement was the wage increase. The union demanded a 6% wage increase in 2018, which was met with significant resistance from employers. The two sides eventually agreed on a 4.3% increase for 2018 and a further 2.3% increase in 2019, totaling a 6.6% raise over two years.

2. Flexible working hours

One of the main goals of the 2018 agreement was to provide more flexibility for employees in terms of working hours. The union demanded the right to reduce weekly working hours to 28 hours for up to two years for workers who have caring responsibilities for children or elderly family members. This would be compensated by a partial retirement plan for older workers.

3. Benefit enhancements

In addition to wage increases and more flexible working hours, the 2018 agreement also includes benefit enhancements. For example, employees can now opt for a cash payment instead of using company-arranged transport services, and they are entitled to a one-off payment of €400 if they work an average of 35 hours a week.

4. Strikes and protests

The negotiations for the 2018 collective agreement were contentious, and the union threatened to call for strikes and protests if their demands were not met. In February 2018, tens of thousands of IG Metall members went on strike across Germany in an effort to increase pressure on employers.

The IG Metall collective agreement 2018 set a precedent for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions in Germany’s metal and engineering industries. The agreement was the result of months of negotiations and strikes, and it has significant implications for millions of workers and business owners across the country. With its focus on flexible working hours and benefit enhancements, the 2018 agreement reflects the changing nature of work and the growing importance of work-life balance.