German Success

I've been thinking of late about the similarities and differences between trade unions in the UK - and other parts of Europe.

So in a mad rush of enthusiasm I dashed off an email to IG Metall - one of the biggest trade unions in Germany which has 3.7 million members - and a very user friendly web site.

I asked the IG Metall press office the following 3 questions and to my great delight I received an answer by email - within an astonishing 24 hours.  

1 The position of women members in IG Metall

Question There seems to be a provision in your rules that women must be represented on Works Councils in direct proportion to the number of women in the workforce. Is that correct and do you have any figures to show how women are represented in this way?

Answer  You are right. This rule is written in our national shop constitution act since 2001 and this will keep the minority of the workforce (in our branch normally women) in the works councils. 20 percent of our workforce (only our branch) are women. The result by the last elections in 2010: 22,8 percent of the members in works councils are women.

2 The political affiliation, if any, of IG Metall

Question Most but not all trade unions in the UK have a political affiliation, but all those that do have a relationship with only one party, the Labour Party. What is the position with IG Metall and other trade unions in Germany? 

Answer The German Unions are formally independent. Paragraph 2 of the IG Metall Charter calls for Independency against parties, companies and institutions. Historically, there has been a strong partnership between the unions and the Social Democratic Party SPD.

3 Strike ballots

Question There appears to be a provision in your rules that a stike ballot is only valid if 75% members entitled to vote take part in the ballot. Is that correct and do other trade unions operate similar rules?

Answer Yes, this is correct.

So, there you have some really striking information to wrestle with and consider at your leisure.

In Germany women are represented in proportion to their numbers within the workforce - trade unions are politically independent from all parties - and strikes are sanctioned only if a big majority of union members (75%) have taken part in the pre-strike ballot.

Interesting to say the least - and worthy of inclusion in any serious debate about what makes a successful economy and fair society.   

The only other point I would add is that I can't imagine any trade union in the UK being quite so efficient or helpful as IG Metall.