Horst Schmitt Elected to Opel Works Council Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Horst Schmitt, a known far-right activist, has been elected to the works council at Opel's manufacturing facility in Rüsselsheim. His election has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the affiliations and influence of right-wing factions within labor organizations.

The recent works council elections, held in mid-March, saw the IG Metall union secure nearly 90% of the votes at the Opel plant, where the workforce has dwindled to approximately 8,300 employees from nearly double that number prior to 2017. This shift comes during a period of economic instability within the automotive industry, prompting IG Metall to gain substantial support amidst ongoing austerity measures.

However, the election of Schmitt from the Christian Metalworkers' Union (CGM) has stirred controversy. The CGM, which claims to have around 100,000 members, is associated with the labor wing of the conservative Union parties. Critically, the CGM's credibility has been called into question, with some sources estimating the actual membership to be significantly lower.

The Christian list garnered 10% of the votes at the Opel site, resulting in three council positions, with Schmitt positioned second on the list. He has previously been noted for his appearances at events associated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and has ties to the right-wing, sometimes banned publication 'Compact'. Documentation shows that until late October 2024, he served on the board of the Zentrum organization, known for its close ties to the AfD, which operates outside the bounds of recognized labor unions and lacks tariff status.

Concerns regarding Schmitt's election have prompted the CGM to issue a statement distancing itself from his affiliations. A spokesperson emphasized that the CGM's values are fundamentally opposed to those of Zentrum, asserting that there has never been any organizational collaboration and none is anticipated in the future. The CGM has attributed responsibility for Schmitt's candidacy to the local works council in Rüsselsheim, which operates with a significant degree of autonomy.

Despite the CGM's attempts to mitigate the situation, sources within the Opel plant indicate that Schmitt's right-wing political activities were well known among employees, especially given his prior experience on the council. This situation recalls past tactics employed by far-right groups, wherein they seek election through alternative lists to gain footholds within institutions.

The CGM's leadership has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and is reviewing potential disciplinary actions. In addition, they plan to enhance training programs to address the influence of organizations like Zentrum and to fortify their members against such encroachments.

This incident is not isolated to the CGM; it mirrors broader trends where members of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) have shown an increasing propensity to support the AfD, as evidenced by analyses of recent electoral outcomes.