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Saar metalworkers want steel to start 32-hour week

Warning strikes are already underway in the north-west German steel industry. Now the smaller Saar region is also following suit with its demands.

Tariffs - Saar metalworkers want steel to start 32-hour week

IG Metall is also demanding an 8.5 percent pay rise in the Saarland steel industry and the introduction of a 32-hour week with full pay compensation. This was decided by the responsible collective bargaining committee, as announced by the union's central district on Wednesday. In addition, the extension of partial retirement is to be discussed in the collective bargaining negotiations from the end of February.

With their demands, the Saarland workers are following their colleagues in the north-west German and east German steel industry, where all-day warning strikes are already underway. Here, too, the list of demands includes the gradual introduction of a 32-hour week with full wage compensation.

The union argues that the conversion to sustainable steel production will reduce the number of jobs. The union therefore wants to set the course early on and negotiate a shorter working week, which could also make the industry more attractive to young people. Partial retirement could also accompany the transformation. "The steel companies can afford a pay rise," explained district manager Jörg Köhlinger. There is enough in the coffers.

On Monday, the German government approved funding of 2.6 billion euros for the conversion to climate-friendly steel production. In addition to Saarland, the collective bargaining area also includes Buderus Edelstahl in Wetzlar, Hesse, and Badische Stahlwerke Kehl. In total, around 15,000 employees benefit from the collective agreements for the Saarland steel industry. The peace obligation expires at the end of February.

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Source: www.stern.de

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