IG Metall head Christiane Benner has delivered a scathing critique of the German federal government, accusing it of lacking clear direction on economic and social policy. "It is a policy of uncertainty," Benner stated on Monday during an appearance on ZDF's morning program "Morgenmagazin."
According to her, there is "no clear course forward" on how the country can be held together democratically through sound industrial and social policy. At the same time, Benner issued a warning about growing dissatisfaction among employees and union members.
Many employees feel "insulted" by ongoing debates about sick leave rates, part-time work arrangements, and extended working hours, Benner emphasized. When asked whether she could rule out mass protests, Benner responded that the government still has the situation "in its hands." However, she added that if "the barrel overflows," the unions "can also act differently."
The IG Metall chief firmly rejected demands for extended working hours. The debate surrounding this issue is "absurd," Benner stressed. She pointed out that many companies in the metal and electrical industries are currently suffering from a lack of orders and underutilization of capacity.
Instead of focusing on longer hours or social cuts, Benner called for increased investment in future-oriented sectors such as artificial intelligence and electric mobility. Social cuts, she argued, "will not create economic growth." Additionally, Benner floated the idea of merging the private and statutory health insurance systems.
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