Mercedes-Benz workers protest cost‑saving plan and longer hours in Germany

On July 3 2026, thousands of Mercedes‑Benz employees demonstrated at factories across Germany, including Sindelfingen, Stuttgart, Rastatt and Berlin. Union IG Metall reported over 33,000 participants, while the company cited lower figures; some reports mention about 20,000 workers.

The protests target a cost‑saving programme that would postpone a special bonus originally due in 2026 to 2027 and extend the standard weekly working time from 35 to 40 hours without extra pay. Workers also fear further job cuts and site relocations as the group seeks to protect existing pay and conditions.

Mercedes‑Benz has cited a 4.9 % drop in Q1 2026 revenue to €31.6 billion and a 17 % fall in profit, with Chinese sales down 27 %, as reasons for the measures. Union leaders warned that “Hallo Management: So läuft es nicht!” and emphasized that the burden should not fall on employees.

Analysts note the dispute adds pressure to an already strained German auto industry, which is navigating a shift to electric vehicles, rising competition from China and higher operating costs.