German metal workers step up strikes in pay dispute
FRANKFURT, November 2 - Strikes escalated across Germany's metal and electrical engineering sector on Monday as workers at major companies like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tata Steel joined the picket lines. The International Metal Workers' Union IG Metall intensified its push in a pay dispute impacting 3.7 million employees. The union is seeking a 5% wage rise starting November, safeguards for jobs and facilities, and profit-sharing in thriving areas.
Monday's walkout followed a second employer proposal the union deemed a real pay cut. Employers offered a one-off payment of 1% in July 2027 and a 1.3% increase from July 2028, but also gave companies the option to forgo the lump sum. Strikes are anticipated to persist throughout the week, with IG Metall set to release participation details on Friday.
In the prior negotiation round in 2024, over 100,000 workers participated in strikes on significant days.
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