"The fact that production lines are now at a standstill and offices are empty is the responsibility of the employers," said IG Metall negotiator and district manager Thorsten Groger. He emphasized that the union's decision to strike reflects the urgent need for better negotiation outcomes. Groger's statement highlights the union's frustration with the current situation, indicating that unless satisfactory solutions are found soon, they may escalate their actions further to ensure their demands are met.
IG Metall is demanding a 7% wage increase over the next 12 months, while employers have countered with a 3.6% increase split into two stages over 27 months. The divergent stances reflect significant discontent among workers in the metal and electrical industries, who are seeking fair compensation amid ongoing industrial challenges. The union’s hardline stance indicates a strong pushback against what they perceive as insufficient offers amidst their collective bargaining efforts.
As the negotiations enter their third round, the atmosphere is tense, particularly influenced by Volkswagen’s proposed austerity measures, which include the closure of at least three plants and significant job cuts. This has led to increased anxiety among workers, provoking fears about their job security. Strikes in other bargaining areas are expected, indicating a broader unrest within the sector, primarily driven by the pressing need for job stability and fair wages.
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