Our history
The evolution of IG Metall: from the German Empire to the present day
Founded in 1949, IG Metall has been an advocat for fair wages, equitable working conditions, and social justice on both national and international levels.
The roots of IG Metall trace back to 1891 with the establishment of the German Metalworkers' Association (dt. Deutscher Metallarbeiter-Verband, DMV). This organization quickly became the largest single trade union in Germany during the German Empire and the Weimar Republic.
Advocating for democracy
After the fall of the Kaiser and the revolution of 1918, Germany became a parliamentary democracy. Trade unions played a vital role in supporting and expanding this new democratic system.
However, the Great Depression in the late 1920s weakened the influence of trade unions. Many early social and political achievements were gradually undone during this time.
The divisions among trade unions based on political ideologies limited their ability to stand united against the rise of National Socialism. Despite this, workers made significant sacrifices in their resistance to the Nazi regime.
A home for all workers: the trade union
After World War II, trade unions in Germany restructured, with the initiative for this transformation coming from workers within the companies themselves. They embraced the principle of a unified trade union, which was open to all employees, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Workers, salaried employees, and civil servants found a shared home within this new framework of organizes labor.
In 1949, the German Trade Union Confederation (dt. Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund, DGB) was founded in Munich as an umbrella organization, with IG Metall joining as one of its member unions. IG Metall itself was officially established in 1949 and began operations in Frankfurt am Main in 1950.
Historic achievements: the five-day week, sick pay and the 35-hour week
In 1956, IG Metall successfully campaigned for the five-day week and, after a 16-week strike, secured sick pay for workers. In 1984, following six weeks of industrial action, IG Metall achieved the introduction of the 35-hour week.
After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, German trade unions supported the development of unity. With their policies, they made significant contributions to bringing working and living conditions in East Germany into line with those in West Germany.
In the late 1990s, IG Metall merged with the Textile and Clothing Union (GTB) and the Wood and Plastics Union (GHK) while retaining the name IG Metall.
IG Metall today: advancing workers rights in a changing world
Today, IG Metall is Germany's largest single trade union, representing approximately 2.2 million members across industries such as iron and steel, wood and plastics, metal and electrical work, textile services, and skilled trades.
We remain focused on strengthening collective bargaining agreements to secure fair wages and equitable treatment for all workers, while addressing the challenges posed by a rapidly changing work environment. IG Metall is also actively involved in shaping the future of work by advocating for better time autonomy and to prepare workers for the digital transformation of industries. Furthermore, IG Metall is committed to navigating industrial transitions in a socially, ecologically, and democratically responsible manner, ensuring that workers' voices remain central as industries evolve. Through its continued efforts, IG Metall strives to create a fairer and more sustainable future for workers and society alike.