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Honorary evening of IG Metall Pforzheim: 75 years in the fight for justice!
IG Metall Pforzheim celebrated anniversaries, honored life's achievements and discussed current challenges for the future.
Honorary evening of IG Metall Pforzheim: 75 years in the fight for justice!
On November 16, 2025, a festive anniversary celebration of IG Metall took place in Pforzheim, under the motto “Strong Together”. Under the leadership of the new 1st representative of IG Metall, Tom Wolters, an evening full of reviews and honors was celebrated. Wolters not only introduced his new team, but also looked back on the successes of the past few years.
A very special guest of honor was Wolfgang Kolb, who, at the age of 99, was honored for an proud 75 years of membership in the union. This remarkable jubilee was visited and honored in the summer, to which the congregation responded with great applause. Martin Kunzmann, the former first representative of IG Metall Pforzheim and former DGB state chairman, also gave a moving speech in which he honored the achievements of the jubilarians and recalled the trade union struggles of the last decades.
The history of IG Metall
Founded in 1949, shortly after the Second World War, IG Metall has a long and eventful history behind it. It emerged from the German Metalworkers' Association, which has been strengthening the rights of workers since 1891. Over the decades, IG Metall has achieved significant milestones in the world of work, including the introduction of the five-day week and continued payment of wages in the event of illness. The development of the union reflects social changes and shows how important the organization was and is for workers' rights.
In his speech, Kunzmann also discussed current social change. Climate change, populist trends and the need for a fair pension policy were discussed in detail. He called for politicians to take responsibility to strengthen the welfare state and focused on the importance of employment insurance for everyone.
Current challenges and commitment
IG Metall Pforzheim is involved in the “Future needs people – people need future” campaign and is planning over 40 actions in 18 companies from November 17th to 28th. This shows the union's commitment to not only fight for the rights of employees, but also to shape a fairer future.
Martina Walter, who also spoke during the evening, reiterated IG Metall's commitment to democracy and a fair future. The active role of the seniors' working group under the leadership of Holger Beisel was also clearly highlighted, and overall received great recognition.
Musically accompanied by the band “Lollipops”, a successful evening came to an end with words of thanks to everyone involved. A special thank you was expressed to the technical team from the municipality of Isprunge and the 1. FC Isprunge, who provided active support. Tom Wolters and his team are determined to tackle the challenges of the coming years with a breath of fresh air and new ideas.