In 2008, for the first time in 15 years, the IG Metall, the largest union in Germany with 2.3 million members, put a temporary end to the erosion of its strength. According to an assessment presented on January 16, 2009, the IG Metall won almost 120.000 new members last year, i.e. a 14.6% increase compared to 2007. Including resignations and deaths, its strength almost remained stable, with a slight 0.2% drop. (Ref. 090082)
According to Berthold Huber, chair of the IG
Metall, such figures end a “personal trauma”. Indeed, like most German unions,
the IG Metall saw its size, first pushed up after reunification, and then
declined continuously. Only since 2000, the union lost almost half a million
members. A very rejoicing evolution, according to Mr. Huber: the IG Metall is
attractive for young people again with 120.000 new members below 27. Its size also
increased of 1.6% in businesses and
3.3% among employees (Anges
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