IG Metall Chair Benner Calls for Clear Role Division and Ongoing Social Partner Dialogue in Germany

IG Metall first chair Christiane Benner told reporters ahead of a reform summit that the union cannot take over government work or conduct “Koalitionsverhandlungen 2.0”. She urged a clear separation of responsibilities: the government drafts laws, parliament passes them, and social partners provide input. Benner highlighted Germany’s serious economic situation – six years of stagnation – and criticised blanket cuts to subsidies, calling for a targeted industrial policy that secures growth, jobs and competitiveness against China and the United States. She signalled willingness to cooperate with the government on green steel, e‑mobility and a dedicated industrial electricity price.

After the dialogue at the Chancellery, Benner stressed the need for continued exchange between politics, unions and employers, insisting reforms must be “just and thoughtful”. She warned future talks may not be conflict‑free and urged rapid decisions from the coalition committee, while CDU economic council secretary Wolfgang Steiger expressed skepticism about the union’s commitment.