More than 400,000 German workers take action for higher pay

More than 400,000 workers across various sectors in Germany participated in strikes and rallies this week, demanding higher pay and improved working conditions, according to the IG Metall union. The actions, which took place from Sunday to Friday, involved over 413,000 workers nationwide, including more than 2,800 small-scale strikes.

The union, after several rounds of negotiations with employers, found no resolution to the issues. IG Metall chief negotiator Nadine Boguslawski emphasized that workers are fighting for their families' and jobs' future, expecting a tangible increase in purchasing power and concrete commitments from employers to safeguard industrial value creation and investment.

The union had made a fair and flexible offer, and the onus was now on the employers to meet the demands. Talks will resume next week, but the unions have threatened to launch longer walkouts if employers fail to comply. IG Metall's current negotiations cover more than 3.7 million workers. The union's demands include a 5% pay increase over twelve months, profit sharing in successful companies, and job security guarantees.

The health of the companies represented by IG Metall varies, with the auto sector and its suppliers facing ongoing struggles, including job cuts and plant closures, while industries like aerospace and defense technology are experiencing growth.