Companies under scrutiny for alleged mass exploitation by IG-Metall head
German industrial union IG Metall criticizes corporations like Continental and Schaeffler for using the coronavirus crisis as a pretext for mass layoffs. IG Metall's chief, Jörg Hofmann, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that some employers are exploiting the crisis to push through job cuts in Germany and move work to low-wage countries. He called it "scandalous" if companies receive financial aid or other state-funded support while simultaneously conducting layoffs.
In the past year, companies across industries represented by IG Metall have announced plans to cut over 200,000 jobs, from automotive to steel, aerospace to kitchen manufacturing. According to Hofmann, there are varying starting conditions and motivations for this, but he emphasizes that the prolongation of the crisis increases pressure on employment. He warned that these companies risk undermining their future sustainability if they don't address major tasks in decarbonization and digitalization, requiring investments in research and development, particularly in trained skilled workers.
Hofmann has been advocating for short-time work, recently extended by the federal government, to be effectively linked to further training. Employees need prospects in structural change, he said. When short-time work tied to certain conditions becomes impossible, he proposes implementing a four-day workweek. Some companies, like Bosch and ZF, have already secured protection against dismissals for their employees.
Hofmann's stance underscores a push towards socially responsible labor policies in the industrial sector during this economically challenging time. These policies aim to mitigate unemployment risks, secure jobs during downturns, and invest in the upskilling and requalification of workers to adapt to new technological demands, particularly in electrification and digitalization.
In light of the significant number of job cuts announced by major European automotive suppliers, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment in the industrial sector, IG Metall's efforts to negotiate measured restructuring processes and minimize job losses are crucial. The union represents not only the interests of its members but also aims to safeguard the long-term viability of the industries they work in.
In light of the economic challenges, IG Metall is advocateing for a four-day workweek and linking short-time work to further training, especially in industries like finance, where many companies are announcing job cuts and risk undermining their future stability. These policies are not exclusive to the automotive sector, as companies across various industries, including business and aerospace, are also facing similar employment issues during the COVID-19 crisis.
