The IG Metall union has called for widespread warning strikes in the metal and electrical industries, particularly at the Airbus site in Bremen.
From midnight onwards, employees are to stop work to draw attention to the urgent demands for higher wages and better working conditions. With these measures, the union wants to increase the pressure in the current wage dispute and point out the need for a fair wage for employees.
Background and demands of IG Metall
IG Metall is demanding a wage increase of seven percent for a period of twelve months and an increase in the remuneration of trainees by 170 euros. These demands must be seen in the context of rising living costs and inflation, which are putting a heavy burden on employees' purchasing power. The employers' side, on the other hand, made an offer in the second round of negotiations that only provides for a wage increase of 1,7 percent from mid-2025 and a further 1,9 percent a year later. The increase in training remuneration was also only promised as a "disproportionate increase", without giving any concrete figures.
This unequal exchange has angered the union, which is demanding that wages be adjusted appropriately to reflect economic reality and the increased cost of living. "We are fighting for the employees and for fair wages. The time for compromise is over," said a spokesman for IG Metall. The warning strikes are a sign of the discontent of the employees, who feel that they are not being sufficiently valued in the current situation.
Planned actions and the course of negotiations
The warning strikes, which are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, are not limited to Bremen. The first strikes took place across Germany on the night of Tuesday. These are particularly concentrated on key locations in the industry, such as the Airbus plant in Bremen, which, with its numerous employees, plays an important role in the German aviation industry.
The third round of collective bargaining for IG Metall Küste is taking place at the same time in Kiel and affects more than 130.000 employees in northwest Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The negotiations are crucial as they form the basis for future pay and working conditions in one of the most important industries in Germany.
Economic and social implications
The metal and electrical industry is one of the mainstays of the German economy. The current disputes are therefore not just a question of wages, but also reflect larger social challenges. The industry is under pressure to adapt to changes in the global economy, such as climate change and digitalization. Many employees feel obliged to create better working conditions for future generations.
The warning strikes can therefore also be seen as a signal to employers that fair pay and good working conditions are not only important for current employees, but also for the future viability of the industry as a whole. The union wants to make it clear that the economic success of companies is closely linked to the satisfaction and conditions of employees.
The warning strikes by IG Metall in the metal and electrical industries are a significant sign of the ongoing fight for fair wages and better working conditions. The planned actions show that employees are prepared to stand up for their rights and put pressure on employers. The outcome of the collective bargaining negotiations will not only affect the direct employees, but could also have far-reaching effects on the entire industry and the German economy.
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