IGBCE (Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie, Energie) is a major German industrial trade union representing employees across the mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, glass, and energy sectors, as well as related process industries. Headquartered in Hanover and affiliated with the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), it operates nationwide through regional organizations and workplace representation structures.
Formed in 1997 through the merger of predecessor unions in chemicals, mining/energy, and leather, IGBCE negotiates sectoral and company-level collective agreements on pay, working time, and working conditions. It engages in co-determination, occupational health and safety, skills development, and social partnership. The union is active on issues central to the chemical and energy value chains, including structural change, decarbonization, and the energy transition, and provides advisory and legal support to its members.
