The IG BCE trade union, which represents mining, energy and chemicals industry workers in Germany, is currently holding its annual congress in Hanover (from 9 to 13 October). The union’s president Michel Vassiliadis, having been re-elected to his position on 10 October, has taken the opportunity to send a message to political spheres in the country. He is demanding a much more determined commitment in the face of industrial evolution, with trends such as the energy transition, the arrival of electric cars and digitalisation in the world of work. Finally, like fellow union IG Metall, he announced his union’s intention to take a more proactive role in creating more flexible working arrangements, to the benefit of workers.
First big trade union congress following “shock” election results. The IG BCE congress is of interest for a number of reasons. Firstly because it is the first big union congress to be held since the legislative elections in Germany took place on 24 October, and therefore comes at a time when the political landscape in the country is being recomposed. Furthermore, it is of significance because IG BCE, which has 640,000 members, is particularly affected by the major industrial changes that are taking place in both Germany and more widely.
Do you have information to share with us?