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A trade union is a voluntary association of employees. It promotes the interests of its members. A trade union is independent of the state, political parties and churches. Trade unions are financed through membership fees. Trade unions are organised democratically. This means: They have statutes, hold elections for certain functions and their members have a say.
Trade unions in Germany are organised by sectors. Here you will find an overview of the DGB trade unions: www.dgb.de/uber-uns/dgb-heute/gewerkschaften-im-dgb
These 8 trade unions have joined forces in the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB – Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund). The DGB does political work for the trade unions. It fights for better working conditions in Germany.
The explanatory video “What is a trade union?” (in German) by the trade union IG Metall is available at:
www.igmetall.de/ueber-uns/dafuer-stehen-wir/was-ist-eine-gewerkschaft
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A trade union is committed to improving working conditions. It represents the interests of its members towards employers and the state.
A trade union is a so-called collective bargaining party. This means that it can conclude collective agreements with the employers' association or an individual employer. For this purpose it conducts collective bargaining, which may, for example, concern higher wages, shorter working hours and more annual leave.
The trade union can use industrial action to achieve its objectives in collective bargaining. This includes threatening strikes, so-called warning strikes and strikes.
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As a member of a trade union you will receive information and support in many areas.
- Trade unions offer free advice and information, for example on rights under collective agreements, claims in the event of unemployment or company pension schemes.
- Trade unions provide support in disputes with employers or in the event of unfair treatment. As a trade union member, you receive free legal advice on these issues and are entitled to free legal protection. This applies to labour disputes, but also to disputes with the employers' liability insurance association or with pension, health, long-term care or unemployment insurance associations. In these cases, the trade union provides a lawyer who can represent you in court.
- Only as a trade union member do you have a legal right to all collective benefits.
- Trade unions provide financial support to their members in the event of strikes. They pay strike pay if the employer does not pay the employer because of the strike.
- Trade unions offer members seminars for qualification and further training in operational and socio-political topics.
The more members a trade union has, the greater its political influence and the better it can assert the interests of its members.
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The membership fee for most trade unions is one percent of your gross income.
This applies to full-time and part-time employees, trainees, freelancers and employees with mini jobs. People without an income, pensioners and students pay a smaller fee.
You can deduct your membership fee from income tax as income-related expenses.
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If you want to become a member, the first thing you need to know is which trade union is responsible for you.
You can ask for advice directly from a trade union. They will tell you which trade union is right for you. You can find information online, for example at:
https://jugend.dgb.de/dgb_jugend/ueber-uns/mitglied-werden/welche-gewerkschaft-passt-zu-mir
To become a member, you must complete, sign and submit a form. You can also do this online at:
www.dgb.de/service/mitglied-werden/
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Sources:
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (2021): Basiswissen Mitbestimmung.
Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) (04/2018) Was ist eine Gewerkschaft?
IG Metall (undated). Wer zahlt wie viel Mitgliedsbeitrag?
Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V. (undated).
DGB Bildungswerk BUND (undated). Basiswissen Betriebsrat.
DGB Bildungswerk BUND (undated). Basiswissen Personalrat.
Bund Verlag (undated). Das sind Ihre Rechte als Betriebsrat.
Bund Verlag (undated). Betriebsvereinbarung.
Gewerkschaft der Privatangestellten, Druck, Journalismus, Papier (undated). Was ist eigentlich die Gewerkschaft, und was ein Betriebsrat?
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