Metal industry employers in NRW warn of job losses ahead of wage talks

The metal and electrical industry in North Rhine-Westphalia is approaching a critical collective bargaining round amid significant economic challenges. Arndt Kirchhoff, President of the employer association Metall NRW, has called for an end to deindustrialization and ongoing job losses, noting that the sector is losing approximately 2,500 jobs per month.

Kirchhoff highlighted that production levels are currently 27 percent lower than they were a decade ago, and capacity utilization stands at only 79 percent. While there has been a slight increase in incoming orders recently, Kirchhoff stated there is little room for wage increases given the current economic climate.

In contrast, IG Metall union leader Christiane Benner expressed optimism, noting that employees are seeking both job security and wage increases. A recent union survey indicated that 48 percent of workers desire a moderate pay increase, while 35 percent are calling for a substantial raise.