PRESS RELEASE For workers and the economy: Wages must rise by 8 percent!

Berlin – As collective bargaining negotiations begin in the metal and electrical industries, IG Metall is demanding an 8 percent increase in wages and apprenticeship stipends for its members. The union’s executive board approved this decision on Monday.

Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall, said: “Workers need relief, especially in light of their bills set to rise again in 2023. The economy needs rising incomes and stable consumption as a vital pillar of support. Employers must now make their fair contribution toward this.” The last time collective bargaining wage scales were raised in the industry was in 2018.

Regardless of further relief measures for households that may be needed from policymakers, employers must invest their profits in the country’s social stability: “The overwhelming majority of companies are currently doing well—both in terms of orders and earnings. Companies can pass on rising costs, but workers cannot,” said Hofmann. Accordingly, the motto for this round of collective bargaining is “Solidarity Wins!”

Negotiations in IG Metall’s bargaining regions with the employers’ associations will begin in mid-September. The peace obligation ends on October 28, 2022. Over 3.8 million people are employed in the metal and electrical industries.

Further information and press photos of Jörg Hofmann