Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall is demanding significantly higher wages for the 3.9 million workers in the metal and electrical industries. In light of persistently high prices, the union’s executive board is recommending a 7 percent wage increase for twelve months. Apprenticeship wages are to be raised disproportionately by 170 euros. A social component is also intended to ease the pressure on lower pay groups within companies. Following surveys of 318,000 workers and vigorous discussions, the IG Metall executive board has proposed this package of demands to the regional bargaining committees. The wage negotiations this fall will be accompanied by a debate on the issue of working hours.
More money needed, especially for lower-income workers and young people
The IG Metall Executive Board justifies the demand for significantly more money by citing the industry’s economic situation. Collective Bargaining Board Member Nadine Boguslawski states: “Companies have a comfortable order backlog, while employees have to work their butts off.” She notes that order books are currently filled for over a month longer than usual. Even though the inflation rate is falling, prices at the checkout remain high. Boguslawski: “Inflation has eaten away at the one-time payments employers made under the last collective bargaining agreement. Employees deserve ongoing monthly compensation and recognition for their efforts.” The economy also needs stronger domestic demand to support it.
The IG Metall executive board wants the collective bargaining agreement to give special consideration to lower-income groups within companies. A social component is intended to improve compensation for these workers.
An “attractiveness boost” for dual vocational training is intended to cushion the increased cost of living, particularly for apprentices and dual students. Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall: “With this ‘attractiveness boost,’ companies will gain motivated and mobile young talent. And apprentices will be able to focus on their training without having to work part-time on the side—as one in three apprentices currently has to do just to make ends meet.”
A Realistic View of Companies and Employees
IG Metall President Benner expressed understanding for the volatile situation facing individual companies. However, she cautioned that this should not obscure the overall soundness of the industry and the improved economic forecasts. “Our collective bargaining policy is characterized by reliability and responsibility.” With its demands, IG Metall is demonstrating a sense of proportion. “But not all employees in the industry should have to suffer because of the situation at individual companies. What matters to us are the realities on the ground in workplaces and respect for employees.” In addition to sound collective bargaining policy, she said, Germany needs an active industrial policy to secure the country’s future as a business location and to safeguard jobs: “We’re doing what we can. But industrial policy is the government’s responsibility.”
Shorter Work Hours for Social Engagement
IG Metall is calling for the redistribution of working hours as another key issue in the upcoming collective bargaining round. Given the personal burdens employees face, employers must place greater value on their commitment. One way to achieve this could be through additional paid leave. Boguslawski, a member of the executive board responsible for collective bargaining, said: “Expanding the existing option to include time for democratic participation and volunteer work, or improving the existing regulations, would be a valuable contribution by companies to actively supporting social engagement.”
The IG Metall Executive Board will finalize the demands for the metal and electrical industries on July 9, following the regional collective bargaining committees (June 21). Negotiations in the district-level bargaining areas will begin in mid-September. The collective bargaining agreement on wages expires on September 30. The no-strike clause ends on October 28, 2024. Boguslawski, the executive board member responsible for collective bargaining, said: “We are entering the 2024 collective bargaining round with confidence and a clear focus.”
Presentation on the recommended demands
