Still, according to section 5.2 of the current statute, every official member of the IG Metall is obliged to pay their fees in accordance with the statute. For everyone working full and part-time as well as in partial retirement, training, in a dual studies program etc. or solo self-employed individuals this means 1% of their monthly gross income.

Students and school pupils now pay a fee of 3€ per month – instead of 2.05€ as of lately. There are also changes for the unemployed. For those who rely on the new „Bürgergeld“ the fee is 3€, while those who recceive unemployment benefits it amounts to 0.5% of their monthly gross income.

Adaptation of fees

The amount of the individual fee bound to collective agreements must be adapted as soon as possible, i.e. within the month of the increase or wage payment. Promotions or other wage changes are also covered by that rule, affecting everyone, required to pay 1% of their monthly gross income.

„Successful collective agreements must be expressed in the amount of one´s contribution. Even though it is a hot topic, this needs to be talked about. Of course, every colleague must pay their fees following the regulations of our statute. Solidarity also means honesty when it comes to membership fees. As IG Metall Berlin we are dependent on this. The scope of our financial means determines our strength as a union, which is also in the interest of our members“, says Jan Otto, First Authorized Representative and cashier of IG Metall Berlin.

What does count as monthly gross income?

Monthly gross income, which refers to income before taxes and social security contributions, and which is the basis for calculating membership fees, is usually made up of the following components:

• monthly salary multiplied by 12 determines the annual salary
• variable compensation-payments: these include average monthly supplements such as performance bonuses, hardship supplements, shift premiums, piecework pay.
  Multiply these by 12 to determine the annual sum of allowances and supplements.
• additional payments due to the collective agreement (e.g, one-off payments)
• 13th month salary (i.e., additional payments that are made once a year)
• employer contributions (e.g., for retirement savings)
• additional vacation pay
• other company benefits

The sum of these components divided by 12 gives you the monthly gross income.
It’s important to note that travel expenses and the use of company cars are not factored in, neither are work time accounts.

Contribution rates

• 1% of the average monthly gross income: Applies to full-time and part-time employees, those in training or dual study programs, and solo self-employed individuals
• 1% of the average monthly gross income: Applies to full-time and part-time employees, those in training or dual study programs, and solo self-employed individuals
• 3 €: For individuals receiving „Bürgergeld“, full-time students/ pupils in full time vocational training, usually individuals on parental leave, those receiving social benefits due to illness, individuals in private insolvency, unpaid leave, or those ocupied with full-time care for family members, and similar situations
• 0 € (usually exempt for 6/12 month): Applies to volunteers in military service and voluntary civilian/social service personnel

Without you and your fee, there is no we!