Last Friday, the Alwin-Brandes-Saal at the IG Metall Berlin headquarters turned into a lively meeting point for around 150 tech workers who came together for the third Berlin Tech Workers Conference. Once again, IG Metall Berlin, together with the Berlin Tech Workers Coalition (TWC) and ver.di, invited works council members from Berlin-based tech companies to engage in discussion and exchange.

The event built on the success of the previous two conferences and sent a strong message of connection, solidarity, and the urgent need for improved working conditions in the digital economy. Sabrina Lamers, Trade Union Secretary at IG Metall Berlin, opened the conference with a call to carry the momentum of the event back into the workplaces. She emphasized that we are at a historic turning point and now have the opportunity to actively shape the working conditions of the digital world of work. It is essential, she said, to confidently claim the necessary space to do so.

A rapidly growing sector with structural challenges

Berlin likes to present itself as a hub of the digital economy — an expanding, internationally shaped sector. But when it comes to working conditions, there is still a long way to go. "We don’t yet have collective agreements in almost any part of this industry," said Jan Otto, head secretary of IG Metall Berlin. "The energy that was in the air a few years ago has settled — and once the dust clears, it becomes obvious: the conflicts between employers and employees are the same as in traditional industries."

To meet these challenges, IG Metall is taking new approaches — not only relying on traditional tools but also exploring innovative formats like the Tech Workers Conference. The event was held entirely in English to reflect the international nature of the tech workforce in Berlin.

Workshops, exchange, and empowerment

Throughout the day, parallel workshops addressed key topics in works council practice. In one session, Finn Seidenthal and Sören Lieske from IG Metall Berlin discussed the German Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz) as an instrument to counter organizing. The workshop guided participants through the historical background of the law and its original purpose.

"Our first aim was to help colleagues understand that the introduction of the Works Constitution Act was, even back then, primarily intended to weaken worker solidarity and reduce union power," explained Finn Seidenthal.

After the historical deep dive, participants shifted focus to the present, discussing where they experience limitations, frustration, or legal constraints in their everyday work as council members and how they manage to stay independent from employer influence.

"The workshop’s conclusion was clear: only where strong union structures — such as union reps or in-house groups — exist alongside works councils, can we really make a difference. Otherwise, we risk becoming mere executors of what the employer is already willing to offer. People also realized that a solid union foundation gives them far greater freedom than the legal framework of works councils alone—and helps them focus on what truly matters," Sören Lieske added.

A space for solidarity

What made the conference stand out was the open and supportive exchange. Participants shared their biggest successes and frustrations from everyday council work. Despite differences in background, age, or job role, one goal united everyone in the room: achieving better working conditions and stronger worker participation in the tech industry.

It became clear that employees in Berlin’s digital economy want and need strong representation. And the conference made one thing undeniable: this movement is growing.

Save The Date!

On May 22, IG  Metall Berlin is hosting a panel discussion on Back to Office: Trends, Laws, and Corporate Culture. The event is primarily aimed at employees in the digital industry and will be held in English. Klick here for further information and registration.