PRESS RELEASE Collective bargaining dispute in the textile and apparel industry

Frankfurt am Main/Ostbevern – Collective bargaining dispute in the West German textile and apparel industry: Following a third round of collective bargaining that ended without a resolution, IG Metall is expanding its warning strikes in the sector, which employs around 100,000 workers.

IG Metall broke off the third round of negotiations in Ostbevern (North Rhine-Westphalia) early Thursday morning without reaching an agreement. IG Metall negotiator Miriam Bürger stated: “Instead of addressing our demands, the textile employers have stubbornly stuck to their position. As a result, there has been no progress toward a compromise. However, workers urgently need a relief package to address rising prices and work-related stress.”

Specifically, IG Metall is demanding a 6.5 percent pay increase, with a minimum of 200 euros for workers in lower wage brackets. In addition, given the workload faced by older workers, the union is calling for improved partial-retirement arrangements. Another topic of discussion is a bonus for union members and their commitment to collective bargaining agreements. Employers rejected a settlement proposal put forward by IG Metall.

“Wage concessions are by no means a strategy for the future”

Employers are currently offering a flat-rate increase of 25 euros per month for the first 8 months, followed by two monthly wage increases starting in November 2025 (1.5 percent) and November 2026 (2.0 percent). The existing partial retirement arrangements are to be merely continued, not improved. IG Metall negotiator Bürger stated: “We understand the companies’ situation and are open to dialogue and negotiation. However, we will not accept a decline in real wages for employees. Wage concessions are not a strategy for the future.”

IG Metall called further warning strikes inevitable. Chief negotiator Bürger stated: “Employers are provoking a stalemate. Those who refuse to budge at the negotiating table will drive people out to the factory gates.” So far, 12,000 textile and apparel workers have participated in protests and warning strikes. A fourth round of collective bargaining is scheduled for April 10.