PRESS RELEASE IG Metall calls for higher wages in the wood and plastics industry

Frankfurt am Main – To combat the exodus of skilled workers and ensure sustainable jobs: IG Metall is demanding higher wages for employees from companies in the wood and plastics processing industry. With this demand, the union is now kicking off collective bargaining negotiations: an 8.5 percent wage increase and an additional social component, such as an inflation adjustment bonus. The new collective bargaining agreement is to have a term of 12 months.

Currently, 220,000 workers nationwide are employed by furniture, panel, prefabricated home, and trailer manufacturers, as well as automotive suppliers. Brigitte Döth, collective bargaining and industry coordinator for wood and plastics at IG Metall, said: “The future of the workers and the industry is at stake now. Our demand takes the varied situations in the companies into account in several ways. Rising prices and the exodus of skilled workers call for better pay for employees.”

Employee Survey: The Industry Has a Succession Problem

The wood and plastics industry faces a shortage of young talent: Based on the age structure alone, it expects a quarter of its workforce to retire over the next ten years. According to a recent IG Metall survey, 66 percent of employees already complain that their companies are losing skilled workers. Sixty percent of the 6,000 respondents feel they are not treated fairly or with respect at their workplaces. IG Metall representative Döth said, “Everyone can truly benefit only with significantly more attractive working conditions.”

Following the decisions made in the IG Metall districts, the IG Metall Executive Board is expected to approve the collective bargaining demands on October 22. Warning strikes are possible starting January 12, 2024. Industry representative Döth says, “Employers can now decide just how heated the start of the new year will be.”

Editor’s Note:
Collective bargaining negotiations are conducted by the IG Metall districts. For regional information, please contact the press offices of the IG Metall districts.https://igmetall.de/presse-bezirke