As expected, the largest German union, IG Metall, will now be headed by two "reformists” (see our article No. 070720). Berthold Huber, 57, who was until now the union's second-in-command, was elected, on November 6, 2007, IG-Metall's chair with 92.6% of the representatives' votes, who were gathered at a congress in Leipzig from November 4 to November 10. He will be assisted by another "reformist", Detlef Wetzel. (Ref. 070916)
Berthold Huber is replacing Jurgen Peters, 63, leader of the “traditionalist wing.” A subtle strategist, proponent for pragmatic solutions and follower of a quiet negotiation style, it is under his leadership that the well-known “Pforzheim agreement” was negotiated in 2004. For the first time, it allowed companies to step away from branch agreements to preserve jobs and to strengthen their competitiveness (see article No. 61120).
Risks of conflicts in the spring 2008. However, Berthold Huber’s
…Do you have information to share with us?