Strikes in the Bavarian Metal and Electrical Industry

In a significant display of solidarity, over 13,000 workers from Bavaria's metal and electrical industry have embarked on strike action, demanding higher wages amid ongoing negotiations. The automotive sector is at the forefront, with 4,000 employees rallying at the BMW plant in Munich, and an additional 3,700 from suppliers such as ZF, SKF, and Schaeffler participating in demonstrations in Schweinfurt. IG Metall's chief treasurer, Nadine Boguslawski, emphasized that wage concessions alone do not ensure job security. The union is advocating for a 7% wage increase, starkly contrasting with the employers' offer of just 3.6% over a 27-month period. Negotiations are set to continue, with hopes for a pilot agreement in Hamburg next week.

Additionally, IG Metall Küste has called for warning strikes across 21 cities, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among workers in the region. Demonstrations will be held in areas including Bremen, Niedersachsen, and Hamburg, where the union demands not only a 7% wage hike but also an additional €170 for the 3.9 million employees it represents. Employers' proposals remain significantly lower, with offers rising to only 1.7% and 1.9% in the coming years after a period of wage freezes. The collective action underscores the urgency of the current labor disputes and reflects broader concerns within the automotive industry, as companies like BMW face declining profits and increasing pressure to adapt to changing market conditions.