Following the works council elections in spring 2026, a new team took on the responsibility of representing employees at MBition. These employees develop automotive software and digital technologies, creating operating systems, infotainment platforms, and other software that powers Mercedes-Benz vehicles. MBition is the only location within the Mercedes-Benz Group that is not bound by collective bargaining agreement. United under a list called “We are MBition x IG Metall”, the newly elected works council members share a common goal: to give employees a stronger voice and actively shape better working conditions. We spoke with Victoria Fischer, Chair of the Works Council, about this significant achievement.
What motivated you to stand for election to the works council at MBition, and why was close collaboration with IG Metall important to you regarding the title of your list?
Victoria Fischer: First, it's about having a sense of self-efficacy — the belief that you can make a difference. You don't just want to be observing and hoping and waiting all the time. It's also a way of showing that with IG Metall, we have strong support. We want to embrace our pro-union stance instead of hiding it! There is still so much power that we haven't unlocked yet. None of us is as strong as all of us!
What issues/topics were at the top of your list for “We are MBition x IG Metall”?
Victoria Fischer: Tackling the crisis in the automotive industry and job security, particularly in these times as a software company. We are in a quite unique position: on the one hand, we represent the future, whilst on the other, we are right in the thick of things, and we could be cut loose at a moment’s notice if Mercedes no longer considers us profitable. We have a strong interest in how we can contribute to moving Germany towards a modern economy.
What specific measures do you plan to implement during your term in office?
Victoria Fischer: Hmm, it will probably be a work agreement on working hours, since we work 40 hours per week compared to other Mercedes-Benz colleagues. Our goal is to find the best possible compromise regarding remote working. Also, we need a clear path on how promotions work. We don't have a fixed career path here and things can get quite chaotic at times. Oh, and maybe a code of conduct for how managers should treat their employees. There are many cases of unfair treatment. Many colleagues don't even meet their managers in person. Nevertheless — or perhaps precisely because of that — there are many conflicts that are brought to our attention time and again.
As you are an IT company, what are your views on remote working? What standards would you like to establish? How does remote work affect your work on the works council? Does it make a difference to you?
Victoria Fischer: MBbition is a remote-first company, and we have still managed to deliver good products, so we should keep it like that. Not everyone wants to come to the office. For example, some people have long and draining daily commutes, or their job requires quiet. So yes, some people work better at home. We also believe that the 9-to-5 does not fit everyone, especially if going to the office is a necessity.
What specific goals and demands would you set out in a potential collective bargaining agreement?
Victoria Fischer: A proper job security agreement and a 35-hour working week, like everyone else at Mercedes! In addition, we need to find a reasonable and fair solution to remote working also enshrined in that collective agreement.
What other events are you looking forward to attending? Is there something fun planned for your colleagues?
Victoria Fischer: 'Labour Day was so much fun! We tripled the number of participants compared to last year. For some of us, it was our first Labour Day in Berlin, which was very exciting. We had a banner and marched together. Then we did some DJing at the IG Metall booth, which made us the coolest stall at Alexanderplatz immediately! Furthermore, we host a "Stammtisch" every month. That's German for 'regulars' and 'their table'. It's an open event for all employees who’d like to join us for an after-work drink and leave their working day behind them. A get-together where you can let off some steam too. Oh, and we're planning a bike repair workshop soon, so come along after work!
