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.

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
Mexico: Senate examines legislation on the right to disconnect
The news. In Mexico, the Senate is examining legislation enshrining the right to disconnect. The text, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 3 March 2026 and subsequently passed unanimously by...
12 November 2026
Switzerland: Could the referendum on funding a 13th monthly pension payment mark the start of a major pension reform?
On 29 November, Swiss citizens will vote in a referendum on how to finance the 13th monthly payment for pensioners (13th OASI pension), a benefit approved in 2024 that will be paid out from...
12 November 2026
France: 1.6% minimum wage increase from December
The French government announced on 9 November a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage from 1 December 2026. Caught between trade union demands and employers' warnings over labour costs, it is putting...
10 November 2026
France: Kering introduces a “second half of career” HR review for employees aged 50 
The news. Luxury group Kering and the CFDT and CFE-CGC trade unions signed a pioneering agreement on 30 June specifically dedicated to the employment of experienced staff in France, in accordance...
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
British bank Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs to invest in AI
Banking group Barclays has announced the cutting of 5% of its global workforce by the end of the year. Beyond disappointing quarterly results, Barclays primarily intends to free up the funds...
2
Germany: non-EU recruitment remains marginal despite skilled immigration reform
The news. Nearly a year and a half after the entry into force of the “Skilled Immigration Development Act”, only 4% of businesses have recruited at least one employee directly from a...
3
EU: several social texts promised for 2027
The news. On 4 November, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2027. While the focus is once again on simplification, several social texts have been announced. The European...
4
EU: Commission presents strategy for vocational training
The news. On 5 November, the European Commission published its 2026-2030 strategy for vocational education and training. The text comes six years after a dedicated Council recommendation, but...