Frankfurt am Main – A 6.5 percent pay increase over one year: IG Metall is kicking off the collective bargaining round in the West German textile and apparel industry with this demand. In addition, workers with a monthly income below 3,000 euros are to receive at least 200 euros more to provide them with disproportionately greater relief. The IG Metall executive board pushed for this in a resolution passed on Tuesday.
In recognition of its commitment to collective bargaining coverage, the union is also insisting on a bonus for IG Metall members. IG Metall chief negotiator Miriam Bürger emphasized the urgency of substantial pay raises: “Our demand is affordable, fair, and urgent. Employees are worse off than the companies; they have no financial cushion. We are calling for a significant increase in income, especially for employees in lower pay grades.”
Employee Survey: Stress and Pressure Are Rampant
In a survey conducted by IG Metall among 3,500 employees, 69 percent cited the need to offset their rising cost of living as an urgent issue. According to 67 percent, the economic situation at their companies is solid to good; 4 percent view the company’s situation as “very good.” 88 percent of employees complain of increasing stress and illness due to labor shortages. Two out of three respondents (60%) are considering changing jobs.
In the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, IG Metall secured an 8.1 percent increase in monthly wages in two stages. Chief negotiator Bürger stated: “The money has been eaten up by price increases and the persistently high price base. Both our colleagues and the economy now need a boost to purchasing power. This also benefits companies.”
In addition to higher wages, IG Metall is calling for the continuation and expansion of partial retirement programs in companies. Bürger: “Workloads are high, and the average age of employees is high. The industry therefore needs more attractive working conditions to combat the shortage of skilled workers and more options for phasing out of the workforce as employees age.”
This demand applies to the 100,000 workers in the West German textile and apparel industry. 51,000 workers benefit directly from a collective bargaining agreement. The industry ranges from traditional textile manufacturers to automotive suppliers to manufacturers of hygiene and medical products and technical textiles.
The first round of collective bargaining will take place on January 30, 2025, in Frankfurt. The no-strike clause expires at the end of February. Warning strikes are possible starting March 1.
Information and Dates for the Collective Bargaining Round
