Negotiations are underway between collective bargaining parties in the metal and electrical industries of Bavaria and the coast, led by IG Metall chairman Horst Ott. The union is advocating for a 7% wage increase, while employers propose a 3.6% rise. Controversy surrounds exceptions for companies with sales margins under 2.3% and disproportionate trainee salary increases. Flexible regulations in return for union commitments are also on the table.
Amidst these talks, IG Metall has initiated warning strikes across 36 companies, including major players like BMW in Dingolfing, to apply pressure on the employers. These strikes are part of a broader strategy to secure better conditions for the 3.9 million employees affected by this negotiation. Despite the tough discussions, both parties recognize their shared responsibility to find a solution that addresses struggling companies' needs and ties various negotiation threads together.
Meanwhile, IG Metall continues to call for a robust safety net for the industry, pushing for measures to enhance the attractiveness of electromobility and support sectors like battery recycling. The union’s demand for a 7% wage hike is a key element in its fight to alleviate the financial burdens on workers.
