6 August, 2009Hans Mayr, former President of the International Metalworkers' Federation, died on August 3, 2009 aged 87.
GERMANY: Hans Mayr, former President of the International Metalworkers' Federation, died on August 3, 2009. Hans served as President of the IMF and Chairman of IG Metall from 1983 to 1986.
Hans played a central role in some of the toughest labour disputes in Germany during the post-war period and was involved in union campaigns that lead to the introduction of the 35-hour week. Hans was born on December 13, 1921 in Freudenegg, near Ulm (Baden-Württemberg) and his first job was with Junkers, an aerospace company.
Hans joined IG Metall in 1946 directly after the war and his release from being a prisoner of war. From 1951 to 1955 Hans was the chairman of the local DGB, German Trade Union Confederation, in Göppingen and became chairman of IG Metall's local in Göppingen in 1955.
Hans joined the national executive committee of IG Metall in 1962 and was responsible for collective bargaining. He was elected IG Metall vice chairman in 1970 and then chairman in 1983.