PRESS RELEASE IG Metall Demands an 8% Pay Increase in Collective Bargaining for the West German Textile and Apparel Industry

Frankfurt – In the collective bargaining round for the West German textile and apparel industry, IG Metall is demanding an 8 percent pay increase, with a minimum of 200 euros. The IG Metall executive board made this decision yesterday in Frankfurt. In addition, the collective bargaining-based partial retirement program is to be continued and its terms improved. The demands apply to the approximately 100,000 employees in the West German textile and apparel industry.

Miriam Bürger, chief negotiator for IG Metall, emphasized the importance of significant wage increases: “Price increases in recent months have also placed an enormous burden on workers in the textile and apparel industry. That’s why we need more money now. And we still need predictable transitions into retirement. The collective bargaining-based partial retirement program has proven effective in this regard.”

Although the economic situation varies within the industry—with the apparel sector showing a clear increase in sales while the textile sector is currently experiencing a slight slowdown—it remains stable overall. Companies are largely able to pass on the increased costs to customers.

“The demand for an 8 percent increase in wages and salaries takes into account the industry’s overall economic situation. Companies can afford this increase,” Miriam Bürger makes clear.

Like many industries, the textile and apparel industry is affected by a shortage of skilled workers and labor. Attractive jobs and working conditions are a key factor in retaining employees at companies. The demanded wage increases therefore not only provide relief for employees but can also contribute to a positive future outlook for the industry.

The first round of negotiations will begin on February 7, 2023, in Frankfurt am Main. A second round of negotiations is scheduled for February 28 in Ingolstadt—at which point the peace obligation will end and warning strikes will be possible.