Warning strikes at steelmakers draw closer
Warning strikes are approaching in the wage dispute involving around 68,000 employees in the north-west German iron and steel industry. The second round of negotiations on Thursday failed to produce a result, the metalworkers' union announced. The employers had not improved their offer of 3.1 percent for 15 months. The negotiating committee therefore recommended that the bargaining committee decide on warning strikes from the beginning of December.
The peace obligation in the collective bargaining round ends on November 30. The third round of negotiations is scheduled for December 11. IG Metall is demanding 8.5 percent more pay for employees for a period of one year and a 32-hour week with full pay. In addition, the collective agreements on partial retirement, the use of work contracts and job security are to be extended.
The failure of negotiations to reduce tariffs on imported raw materials is a concern for the metal industry, as it could affect their competitiveness. Trade unions have warned that a lack of progress in wage disputes, such as the one in the north-west German steel industry, could lead to more strikes affecting the sector.
Source: www.dpa.com
