Germany: a key ruling by the Federal Labor Court for interim employees working in metal sector services provision

Germany’s metal union IG Metall estimates that tens of thousands of interim workers are set to receive extra income thanks to a ruling dating back to 22 February 2017 that was only recently published (by the BAG, Bundesarbeitsgericht, Federal Labor Court). In response to an appeal by several interim workers employed by companies that had signed services provision contracts (Werkverträge) with different automaker companies, the Court held that the interim workers also had the right to the ‘sector related bonuses’, which IG Metall had negotiated in 2012 for interim employees working in the metals and electro-technical sectors as well as in the wood, plastics and textiles industries. Until the ruling the interim companies refused to pay temporary workers the bonuses because they argues the workers were working for the services provider companies and not in the metals sector. The BAG (final instance) threw out the argument and for IG Metall it represents a ‘key ruling’ for interim workers and a new stage in the battle against excessive use of outsourcing.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Bonuses that vary according to job function and duration. For IG Metall it is in no small part thanks to the tenacity of Mr. Manuel Greuvers, an interim worker employed by a Ford services provider in Cologne that this case had such a positive outcome. For five years this temporary worker that provided the oil for more than ford 630 engines fought alongside his colleagues, the WC and the relevant IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen section in order to receive his ‘sector related bonuses’ being paid to

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle
In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...
2 December 2025
3
Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining
On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...
2 December 2025
4
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
5
Inditex European works council mobilises on value sharing
In a joint statement, 10 trade unions comprising the European works council of the Inditex clothing group are calling for rallies in Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany...
6
Germany: Erwin Hymer Group’s innovative and award-winning AI agreement
Fed up with negotiating separate agreements for each new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, the social partners at Erwin Hymer Group (8,900 employees) have instead secured a broad, overarching...
12 December 2025