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IG Metall seeks to secure real wages in upcoming industry negotiations
The German trade union IG Metall is preparing for upcoming collective bargaining negotiations in the metal and electrical industries, with a primary goal of securing real wages for its 3.7 million members. Union chair Christiane Benner stated, “Verzicht bringt nichts” (giving up brings nothing), emphasizing that workers should not face wage cuts despite economic pressures.
A nationwide survey of 267,000 employees across 2,300 companies serves as the basis for these demands. The results show that 47.8% of respondents favor moderate wage increases, while 35% advocate for significant raises. Employees cited rising living costs (68.9%) and health expenses (58.5%) as major concerns, alongside job security and retirement stability.
The union's stance also addresses broader industrial concerns. Benner called on companies and policymakers to prevent deindustrialization through anti-dumping strategies and local-content requirements, arguing that unfair competition, rather than labor costs, threatens jobs. IG Metall is also prepared to defend the 35-hour work week against potential corporate challenges.
Economic sentiment among workers varies significantly by sector. While those in aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and energy report positive conditions, workers in the automotive and service sectors expressed greater concern regarding their companies' future stability.
Entities
Christiane Benner · Germany · Gesamtmetall · IG Metall · Mercedes-Benz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The union demands investments, product commitments, and job security in exchange for flexibility during economic difficulties. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Unfair competition, rather than high labor costs, threatens industrial jobs. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] 35 percent of survey participants support strong pay increases. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 46.2 percent of surveyed employees describe their company situation as good or very good. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] IG Metall aims to secure real wages in the upcoming collective bargaining round for the metal and electrical industries. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] A survey of 267,000 employees showed 47.8 percent favor moderate pay increases. courage-lounge.de · www.leinetal24.de