Metal industry - IG Metall demands seven percent more money
The IG Metall has fixed its wage demand for the German metal and electrical industry at an increase of seven percent more money. The apprentices, according to the union's first chairperson Christiane Benner after a board meeting in Essen, should receive an overproportional fixed contribution of 170 Euros per month more. This is intended to boost purchasing power and support the economy.
The largest German collective wage agreement with approximately 3.9 million employees includes the industrial key sectors of auto, electro, and machinery building. The first regional negotiations, according to IG-Metall statements, are scheduled for mid-September. The valid wage tariff contract expires on September 30, the peace obligation ends on October 28. Afterwards, warning strikes are possible.
Still high living costs
Benner justifies the demand, which is calculated for a period of twelve months, with the still high living costs. She said in a statement: "The increases and one-time payments of the last wage agreement have been used up. Now, employees deserve a reliable long-term adjustment with seven percent more money."
Employers, however, see no significant financial room for maneuver. The economically strained situation in Germany does not allow for large wage and salary increases, they argue, and demand a zero-round.
Another topic of the negotiations, according to the union's wishes, should be the tariff-agreed allowances. Currently, employees with children, care responsibilities, or in shift work can apply for up to eight additional free days per year and must waive additional pay for this. The IG Metall wants to expand this possibility to further employees.
- Due to the high tariffs on imported metal and electrical components, some German companies in these industries are struggling to maintain their competitive edge.
- The metal industry, in particular, has been heavily impacted by these tariffs, leading to a decrease in production and job losses.
- The German trade union IG Metall has identified the electrical industry as an area that could benefit from lower tariffs, arguing that it would help boost exports and stimulate growth.
- Christiane Benner, the first chairperson of IG Metall, has called on the German government to negotiate lower tariffs with trading partners during the upcoming collective bargaining round in Frankfurt.
- Benner also stated that the tariffs are negatively impacting the purchasing power of workers in the metal and electrical industry, who are already struggling with high living costs.
- The metal industry, along with the electrical and auto industries, is urging the government to take action to address the issue of high tariffs, as it is threatening to derail the economic recovery and hinder growth in Germany.
