IG BAU elects Carsten Burckhardt as new federal chairman

Carsten Burckhardt has been elected as the new federal chairman of the industrial union IG BAU (Construction, Agriculture, and Environment) during the organization's 24th congress in Kassel. Burckhardt, who previously served as deputy chairman, received 216 votes to succeed Robert Feiger, who led the union for 13 years.

In his inaugural address, Burckhardt pledged to resist cuts to social welfare, pension reforms, and working hours. He specifically opposed any increases to the retirement age or reductions in pension levels, advocating for a ‘muscle power factor’ that allows those in physically demanding jobs to retire earlier without deductions. He also called for the introduction of a wealth tax, the collection of excess profits, and more effective combatting of tax evasion.

The newly restructured leadership team includes deputy chairs Nicole Simons and Christina Beck, alongside board members Lars Dieckmann and Zeynep Biçici. Biçici’s election marks the first time a person of Turkish descent and migrant background has joined the union's federal executive board.