Derogations have become a core element of the collective bargaining system in Germany, at least in the manufacturing industry. While their evaluations were highly controversial at the time of their emergence, in the meantime controversies have been replaced by consensus about the importance of derogations. In the industrial sectors ‒ and there above all in the metal industry ‒ derogations are now not only largely accepted by the collective bargaining actors, but are also highly valued as an innovative element of collective bargaining policy. What are the reasons for these positive assessments, especially by the metalworkers’ union IG Metall? How can one explain the fact that the potential dangers to the collective bargaining system posed by derogations are hardly to be found in it? And how does the current practice of derogations look like? The article examines these questions with a view both on the spread derogations and on their regulatory practice. In this context, the role of internal guidelines for coordination and bargaining practice by the IG Metall is emphasized as an expression of a reflexive approach towards derogations. The paper is based on experiences from previous research projects, further research and two expert interviews with collective bargaining secretaries from the IG Metall.