The union that works for you!
Dear colleague,
the Christliche Gewerkschaft Metall (CGM), which translates to „Christian Metalworkers’ Union” is your reliable partner in the metal, electrical, steel, and IT industries, as well as the skilled trades (Handwerk). Rooted in the tradition of Christian social teaching and guided by the core belief in human dignity and solidarity, CGM has been drawing on over a century of experience since 1899 to champion the rights and interests of employees across Germany.
CGM is made up of people like you and me – individuals who are committed to listening closely, looking deeper, and addressing the real issues facing our colleagues. We support you, person to person, in every aspect of your working life.
Especially today, as technological advancements accelerate, mobile work becomes more prevalent, and health and safety requirements grow more complex, we remain steadfast in our commitment to socially responsible standards in the workplace. As a union, we understand how dynamic the world of work has become, and we’re here to ensure that change benefits everyone. CGM stands by its members for the long term, offering not only reliability and sound judgement but, above all, true independence. We are dedicated to making working life as fulfilling as possible and are equally committed to ensuring retirement that is dignified and secure.
We provide legal protection in labour and social matters and pursue a forward-looking, constructive approach to collective bargaining. People are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to safeguard Germany as a thriving place for business – for ourselves and for future generations. We are shaping a labour market that is both viable and sustainable, committed to ecological and social responsibility so that quality of life and quality of work go hand in hand.
Your Christian Metalworker’s Union
Join us for a better work life.
What makes us different?
Who we are
CGM is made up of people like you and me, who want to create a positive workplace. CGM brings workers together to create a strong voice in the workplace and help you achieve a better work life. We advocate for fair working conditions, wages, and benefits.
Our mission
We work to make your workplace a better place – so that you and your coworkers can grow both as a workplace community and as individuals! Our approach is constructive, not confrontational.
What we offer
As your union, you can count on CGM to always be on your side. We stand up for positive change and better ways of doing things. We ensure you get the benefits and working conditions you need and deserve while protecting your rights and safety. We provide you with opportunities to grow, to expand and to fulfill your ambitions.
We think differently than other unions.
Why join CGM?
- We are independent from political parties, religious groups, and companies.
- We support you personally, one-to-one.
- We help you create a positive workplace.
The CGM is not part of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).
We provide a different union perspective on the issues that matter to workers.
Why join a union?
- Better pay and conditions – collective agreements (Tarifverträge), secure higher wages, regulated working hours and more vacation days than the law alone provides.
- Security and protection – As a member, you receive free advice and legal support in cases of workplace problems, unfair treatment or dismissal.
- Solidarity without borders – no matter where you come from, the union defends your rights in Germany.
Together we are stronger.
Who can join?
Everyone who works in Germany can become a member:
- Full-time or part-time
- Apprentices and students
- Migrant and international workers
CGM is for all of us.
What do you get?
- Benefit from all our collective agreements, as we are a recognized bargaining partner (Tarifpartner).
- Receive free legal advice and court representation in employment and social law cases.
- Get strike pay when workers take collective action.
- Gain access to training, seminars and networking opportunities.
- Enjoy community and solidarity with fellow workers.
There’s something here for everyone.
These benefits apply equally to all members with at least three months of membership. Transfers from other trade unions are taken into account. Full details are outlined in CGM’s current contribution and benefit regulations.
Your benefits
Well organised with us
Flexible contribution
Each member sets their own personal contribution within a set range, in accordance with our current benefits and contribution guidelines. The level of your benefits scales with your chosen contribution.
Strike support
In the event of a strike or lockout, CGM members are entitled for financial support. The amount of support depends on your average monthly contribution and your personal circumstances.
In the following example, the weekly strike or lockout benefit is calculated based on your monthly contribution:
|
Contribution |
Strike or lockout benefit |
|
€25 |
€350 |
|
€30 |
€420 |
|
€35 |
€490 |
|
€40 |
€560 |
|
€45 |
€630 |
|
Contribution |
Strike or lockout benefit |
|
€25 |
€355 |
|
€30 |
€425 |
|
€35 |
€495 |
|
€40 |
€565 |
|
€45 |
€635 |
|
Contribution |
Strike or lockout benefit |
|
€25 |
€360 |
|
€30 |
€430 |
|
€35 |
€500 |
|
€40 |
€570 |
|
€45 |
€640 |
|
Contribution |
Strike or lockout benefit |
|
€25 |
€365 |
|
€30 |
€435 |
|
€35 |
€505 |
|
€40 |
€575 |
|
€45 |
€645 |
|
Contribution |
Strike or lockout benefit |
|
€25 |
€370 |
|
€30 |
€440 |
|
€35 |
€510 |
|
€40 |
€580 |
|
€45 |
€650 |
Death benefit
As a CGM member, your beneficiaries may be entitled to receive a death benefit after you die, if you have at least one year of membership. The benefit is calculated as 15 times the average personal contribution over the past 12 months, with a minimum payment of €150.
Collective agreements
Collective agreements in Germany apply exclusively to union members. Employees who are not members of a union have no legal entitlement to these benefits. They are dependent on the goodwill of their employer. CGM members have the right to enforce their claims in court if necessary.
Local representation
Our active, independent and affiliated local groups form the foundation of representation in your workplace. CGM volunteers, union stewards and representatives are active in over 1,000 companies. They ensure successful advocacy for employees’ interests. All representatives receive regular training in CGM seminars to stay up to date and effectively perform their duties.
Legal protection
CGM members receive free legal advice and representation nationwide in all disputes before labor and social courts. This support is provided by our full-time staff in accordance with our statutes and the CGM Legal Protection Regulations.
Political influence
We meet regularly with German government officials and political parties to discuss labour and economic matters and contribute submissions on pending legislation affecting workers. We also advocate for our members through hearings and provide statements.
Networks and affiliations
The CGM is a member of the Christian Trade Union Confederation of Germany (CGB) and the World Organization of Workers (WOW).
Protection beyond the workplace
Leisure accident insurance
All CGM members are covered by comprehensive leisure accident insurance. This insurance protects members against accidents not already covered by German statutory accident insurance. There is no waiting period: Insurance coverage begins as soon as a member has paid at least one month’s contribution.
Young & Safe
For just €6 a month, trainees benefit from extended leisure accident insurance. This provides them with comprehensive coverage under our „Young & Safe“ plan.
Daily hospital allowance
If a member is hospitalized due to a leisure time accident, they will receive a daily hospital allowance for each day of their stay. The daily amount corresponds to one monthly personal contribution.
Convalescence allowance
In addition to the daily hospital allowance, a recovery allowance is paid for each day of inpatient hospital stay following a leisure time accident. This benefit applies regardless of the duration of subsequent incapacity for work or rehabilitation.
The recovery allowance is paid as follows:
- 100% of the daily hospital allowance from day 1 to day 10
- 50% from day 11 to day 20
- 25% from day 21 to day 100
Leisure accident resulting in death
If a member dies because of a leisure accident, the next of kin will receive a benefit amounting to 200 times the monthly personal contribution.
Disability benefits
In the event of disability due to a leisure accident, the member is entitled to a benefit of up to 1,000 times the monthly contribution.
Example calculation for the leisure accident insurance:
| Contribution | Daily hospital allowance | Disability | Death |
| €25 | €25 + convalescence allowance | €25,000 | €5,000 |
| €30 | €30 + convalescence allowance | €30,000 | €6,000 |
| €35 | €35 + convalescence allowance | €35,000 | €7,000 |
| €40 | €40 + convalescence allowance | €40,000 | €8,000 |
| €45 | €45 + convalescence allowance | €45,000 | €9,000 |
The calculation of benefits is based on the average personal contributions of the last 12 months.
This article is also available as a leaflet. If you are interested, please contact your CGM branch office. You can find an overview here.
About CGM
CGM is a free, independent and democratic trade union. Guided by the Christian view of humanity, which calls us to solidarity, we are committed to standing up for our members. As the second-largest trade union in the metal and electrical industry and a recognised social partner, we conclude collective agreements in a range of sectors, particularly in the skilled trades.
We were founded in Duisburg in 1899 as „Christlicher Metallarbeiterverband“, short „CMV“ (Christian Metalworkers’ Association). Our head office is located in Stuttgart. Our current Federal Chair is Sebastian Scheder. With eleven regional offices, we are represented throughout Germany.
We are affiliated with the Christian Trade Union Federation of Germany (CGB). As a member of the umbrella organisations WOW and CESI, we are part of the international trade union movement.
We believe in the power of solidarity and in the need for a diverse and pluralistic trade union landscape. Our union represents employees in industry and the skilled trades, regardless of gender, denomination, origin or age.