What We Do

Industrial labor relations
Gesamtmetall analyses the economic climate, devises strategies for collective bargaining, coordinates negotiations with trade unions, provides support in the event of industrial action, and helps companies implement collective-bargaining agreements. But its conceptual work is not limited to bargaining rounds. Gesamtmetall is also continuously working on ways to improve the collective bargaining system itself.

Social policy
Gesamtmetall voices the M+E industry’s positions on social policy. The focus is on sustainably financed social security systems and keeping companies’ administrations manageable. Gesamtmetall supplies its member associations with know-how on matters such as old-age provision, health policy and social security. Gesamtmetall has also actively shaped social policy. Examples include the
founding of the MetallRente pension fund and a collective agreement that enables employees to pay part of their salary into a pension fund.

Education and training
Gesamtmetall is involved in designing and revising job profiles for vocational training. It funds a number of projects to improve training in mathematics and science, and informs the public about working in the M+E industry. Parents, teachers and young people are informed in many ways about jobs, career prospects and the necessary requirements for vocational training in M+E companies.

Public relations
Gesamtmetall formulates and publicizes the policies shared by the M+E industry. Communication focuses on putting across entrepreneurial positions and explaining the industry’s views. In this context Gesamtmetall seeks a dialog with the media based on mutual trust. The positions are put forward in a powerful and differentiated manner at press conferences, as well as in interviews with and articles by the President and executive management.

International affairs
Gesamtmetall represents the interests of the M+E industry in all matters of collective bargaining and social policy at the European and international level. Gesamtmetall collaborates closely with 21 affiliated associations in CEEMET, the Council of European Employers of the Metal, Engineering and Technology-based Industries. One of CEEMET’s main areas of work is representing the industry’s interests vis-à-vis the institutions of the European Union. Gesamtmetall provides its member associations with comprehensive information on terms of employing staff abroad.