IG Metall commemorates 70th anniversary of historic wage continuation strike

The IG Metall union held a commemorative event in Lübeck to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956/57 strike that secured wage continuation during illness for workers in Germany. The strike, which began in Schleswig-Holstein, lasted 114 days and involved more than 26,000 employees in shipyards and metalworks.

At the time, workers faced harsh conditions and lacked the financial security afforded to salaried employees, who received full pay during illness. The strike resulted in a breakthrough agreement that provided wage compensation for workers, increased vacation time, and better vacation pay. These achievements paved the way for full legal equality in wage continuation in 1969.

During the anniversary event, union leaders Daniel Friedrich and Henning Groskreutz emphasized that while these rights are now standard in Germany, they were hard-won through solidarity. They noted that the legacy of the strike serves as a reminder for modern workers facing industrial transformation and digitalization.