A political foundations seminar in English.
All workers are affected by far-reaching changes in the world of work.
These include not only growing demands such as enforced flexibility, constant availability and increasing surveillance, but also new forms of international collaboration, communication and project work. The boundaries between work and private life blur, and the work feels endless
In this seminar, we aim to identify and explore ways in which independent, practical and collective action can help improve the working and living conditions of everyone.
Contents
- Basic knowledge of trade union system and works councils in Germany
- Introduction to labor law and collective agreements
- Current social developments and their impact on the world of work
- Basics of public relations and communication at workplace
- Communication training for one-to-one conversations
This seminar is for all colleagues who …
… would like to learn how they can actively campaign for better working conditions both within and outside the works council.
… would like to learn more about the differences between German works councils and trade unions.
… would like to acquire effective communication skills and methods.
… enjoy working together with colleagues from companies across Germany.
Dates:
20 July 2026 – 24 July 2026
Extended version (5 days)
Seminar number: W00526300
12 August 2026 – 14 August 2026
Compact version (3 days)
Seminar number: W00526330
For registration, please contact your local IG Metall office.
Communication Training: OneonOne Conversations in the Workplace (Fully in English)
This communication training is fully conducted in English and focuses on the effectiveoneonone conversations with colleagues in the workplace. You learn how to approachothers confidently, listen actively, and communicate in a respectful and authentic way – building trust and creating shared understanding. The training enables you to clearlyexplain what the union stands for, why collective action is important, and howcolleagues can benefit from getting involved.
You work with practical tools that you can use immediately in everyday work situations:
- how to start conversations with confidence
- understand different perspectives
- respond to questions
- and address concerns or critical feedback openly and constructively.
Through handson exercises, role plays, and reallife examples, you actively practice your communication skills and gain confidence in engaging your colleagues.
Join the training if you would like to strengthen your ability to reach out to others, build strong relationships at work, and motivate colleagues to join and become active in the union. This training turns conversations into connections – and connections into collective action. Together, you learn how to make a real difference through dialogueand participation.
The communication training can be attended as a standalone event or as an additional module following the Political Foundations (English) seminar, which takes placedirectly beforehand at the IG Metall Educational Center Beverungen.
Date:
14 August 2026 – 16 August 2026
Seminar number: W00526331
Deadline: 31 May 2026
For registration, please contact your local IG Metall office.
Download PDF-Infos
Alle Beschäftigten sind von Veränderungen in der Arbeitswelt betroffen.
Dazu gehören nicht nur wachsende Anforderungen wie erzwungene Flexibilität, ständige Erreichbarkeit und zunehmende Überwachung, sondern auch neue Formen internationaler Zusammenarbeit, Kommunikation und Projektarbeit. Die damit einhergehende Vermischung von Arbeits- und Privatleben sowie das Gefühl endloser Arbeit nehmen zu.
In diesem Seminar möchten wir Wege aufzeigen und erproben, wie eigenverantwortliches, praxisnahes und gemeinsames Handeln dazu beitragen kann, die Arbeits- und Lebenssituation aller zu verbessern.
Inhalte
- Grundwissen über Gewerkschaften und Betriebsräte in Deutschland
- Einführung in Arbeitsrecht und Tarifverträge
- Aktuelle gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Arbeitswelt
- Grundlagen betrieblicher Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Ansprache
- Kommunikationstraining für persönliche Gespräche
Dieser Workshop richtet sich an alle Kolleg*innen, die…
- … erfahren möchten, wie sie sich innerhalb und außerhalb des Betriebsrats aktiv für bessere Arbeitsbedingungen einsetzen können.
- … mehr über die Unterschiede zwischen deutschen Betriebsräten und Gewerkschaften lernen möchten.
- … Methoden und Kommunikationsfertigkeiten erwerben möchten.
- … Freude daran haben, mit Kolleg*innen aus Betrieben in ganz Deutschland zusammenzuarbeiten.