Press Release Record number of warning strikes at car dealerships and auto repair shops

Frankfurt am Main – During the first wave of warning strikes in the collective bargaining round for auto repair shops and car dealerships, over 20,000 workers took part in protests. This marks the largest mobilization of IG Metall members to date. In the second round of negotiations, however, employers have so far shown little willingness to engage in dialogue.

“The pressure is mounting. Our colleagues feel like they’re being sold out and betrayed. If employers don’t want to hit a wall, they need to finally put something concrete on the negotiating table,” demands Ralf Kutzner, executive board member of IG Metall. The union is demanding an 8.5 percent pay increase over 12 months for its members in the automotive repair and automotive service sectors, an inflation adjustment bonus as a social component, and disproportionately higher apprenticeship wages.

At the second round of collective bargaining in Lower Saxony last Monday, employers put only an inadequate offer on the table. “Employers have not yet understood that, in light of the shortage of skilled workers, they must make their industry future-proof by improving working conditions,” said Kutzner.

Negotiations will continue in the collective bargaining regions, as will the warning strikes. IG Metall will hold the next round of collective bargaining negotiations on Friday in Leinfelden-Echterdingen (Baden-Württemberg).

For information on specific warning strikes and regional collective bargaining negotiations, please contact the district press offices of IG Metall.