Germany: new head of metal employers’ organization wants to commit to an even more flexible labor market

September 14 was the transfer of power between the former and the new President of the German association of metal industries.  “He knows the metal and electrical engineering industry, he knows the IG-Metall, and he knows the way collective bargaining works and its subtleties.  I am sure this knowledge will be more than useful in his new role” said Jörg Hoffmann, member of the IG-Metall union’s board and President of the union’s powerful regional federation in southwestern Germany, the heart of the German industry.  This appreciation from one of the collective bargaining experts in the country, who repeatedly negotiated with Mr. Dugler, shows the continuity of the relations between the sector’s social partners in recent years.  In spite of a highly different view of appeal to temporary work and the use of labor leasing with subcontractors, dialogue is still on, as with the “sacred union” in 2008-09 when the social partners joined forces to convince the government to massively extend short-time working measures.  This strategy helped strengthen employment in businesses and played a major part in the current “German employment miracle.”
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

owledge will be more than useful in his new role” said Jörg Hoffmann, member of the IG-Metall union’s board and President of the union’s powerful regional federation in southwestern Germany, the heart of the German industry. This appreciation from one of the collective bargaining experts in the country, who repeatedly negotiated with Mr. Dugler, shows the continuity of the relations between the sector’s social partners in recent years. In spite of a highly different view of appeal to temporar

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
Germany: IG Metall demands 5% pay rise amid severe pressure
Despite the crisis hitting the automotive industry, the leadership of the German trade union IG Metall announced on Wednesday 23 September that it would be asking for a 5% pay increase as well as...
23 September 2026
Florent Rispoli (ADP): “Our goal is to take an open and inclusive approach to parenthood”
Appointed in November 2025 as Vice President Human Ressources for France and Switzerland at ADP (2,000 employees in France), a specialist in HR management and payroll solutions, Florent Rispoli...
23 September 2026
France: Ministry of Labour unveils plan to accelerate the rollout of AI
On 22 September, the French Ministry of Labour presented a plan named Impulsion IA 2027 aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI by companies and employees. It contains 12 measures applicable from...
Germany: major day of union action in the automotive industry ahead of collective bargaining
A few weeks before the start of collective bargaining in the German metalworking sector, the IG Metall trade union mobilised nearly 175,000 workers across more than 200 industrial sites on 21...
22 September 2026
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
France: Medef puts forward proposals to improve management quality
On 31 August, Medef, French main employers' organisation, published a practical guide to managerial skills, which it considers to be a driver of economic performance for businesses. Concerned by...
2
AI: uneven integration but a global challenge for the world of work
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in business is profoundly transforming the world of work, and some occupations are now under threat. However, the full extent of its effects remains...
3
France: Ministry of Labour unveils plan to accelerate the rollout of AI
On 22 September, the French Ministry of Labour presented a plan named Impulsion IA 2027 aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI by companies and employees. It contains 12 measures applicable from...
4
Germany: AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt raises concerns over labour supply and workplace cohesion
The rise of Germany’s far-right AfD, which could soon gain influence over migration policy in Saxony-Anhalt and, following elections on September 20, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well, is...
5
Netherlands: towards a ban on housing cost deductions from migrant workers’ wages
The news. On September 10, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Vijlbrief (centre-left) sent a letter to the House of Representatives, stating that he intends to prohibit employers...
6
UE: Commission proposes measures to facilitate “fair” worker mobility across the Union
The info. On 15 September, the European Commission adopted a series of measures aimed at encouraging “fair” worker mobility within the EU. It wants to remove the administrative...