From concession bargaining to broad workplace solidarities: The IG Metall response to agency work

Chiara Benassi evaluates experience with the use of peripheral workers in the German automotive sector, an institutional context that should be relatively favourable to protecting core workforce. Benassi, however, argues that the concessions ultimately backfi red on core workers because of the introduction of cheap and fl exible labour in the companies. In the long run, the presence of workers employed on inferior terms threatens agreed standards and the future existence of the permanent workforce. The alternative strategy is to recruit agency workers and bargain on their behalf. The German experience shows that a public shaming strategy can be helpful in this context. To be effective, the inclusive strategy also requires stronger sectoral bargaining, international representation bodies such as the EWCs, and international company agreements.