Latest News

German union all set to strike as industrial sector pay talks begin

Germany's biggest industrial union, IG Metall, demanded a pay rise of 7% for practically 4 million employees in the country's automobile, electrical and metal markets as collective bargaining talks got under way on Wednesday.

WHY IT is necessary?

IG Metall has said it is prepared to strike along with the talks, potentially piling more pressure on producers already faced with the risk of de-industrialisation, as Europe's. greatest economy struggles to remain competitive as a company. place.

Companies represented in the talks include some of Germany's. big-name industrial gamers, consisting of Siemens,. Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

BY THE NUMBERS

IG Metall is calling for a 7% wage increase for some 3.9. million employees over a 12-month duration and desires an extra 170. euros per month for students, pointing to the higher cost of. living in Europe's biggest economy.

Germany's Bundesbank tasks inflation to come in at 2.8%. this year, down from 6.0% in 2015.

The BDI organization association has stated that around 20% of. commercial worth development in Germany is under danger, listing. high energy costs, labour shortages and lack of investment. among the problems.

ESSENTIAL QUOTE

We are making very intensive preparations for a. collective bargaining round, consisting of one with industrial. action, Knut Giesler, IG Metall's negotiator in North Rhine. Westphalia, stated.

THE RESPONSE

The circumstance is serious, the cumulative bargaining. partners need to take obligation, said Angelique. Renkhoff-Muecke, chief arbitrator for the Bavarian Metal and. Electrical Industry Association.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Wednesday marked the preliminary of negotiations in a number. of states. Talks in the commercial heartland of North Rhine. Westphalia begin on Thursday.

Even more negotiating rounds will follow.

Unions might call strikes from Oct. 29, when an agreement. dismissing such action ends.

(source: Reuters)