IG Metall Demands Urgent Action to Protect Industry and Jobs

Germany's largest union calls for government intervention, a European industrial strategy, and pledges to resist deindustrialization with strong strike capabilities.

IG Metall has called for a comprehensive government plan to secure industrial jobs and prevent further deindustrialization, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The union advocates for a 'Local Content Strategy' requiring a mandatory share of European components in products sold in Europe to strengthen regional manufacturing.
Membership in IG Metall has declined by 1.9% over the past year due to job losses in the metal and electronics industries, but the union's financial reserves reached a record €642 million in 2024.
A nationwide action day is planned for March 15 to pressure the new government during coalition talks, with demonstrations in key industrial cities like Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
IG Metall supports measures such as lower energy costs, public infrastructure investment, and a transition to green technologies, while warning against social welfare cutbacks during economic transformation.