German metalworkers' trade union launches further strikes

One of Germany's major industrial trade unions, IG Metall, has called for further strikes in the metal and electrical industry in two German states on Monday, in an attempt to ramp up pressure in the ongoing sector-wide collective bargaining talks.

Employees are to temporarily strike in several companies in the southern state of Bavaria on Monday. Strike action is also planned in the eastern state of Saxony.

Public rallies are also planned in both states.

The collective bargaining talks cover wages and other conditions for around 3.9 million workers employed in the automotive and other manufacturing industries in Germany.

IG Metall is demanding a 7% pay increase for employees within the next year. So far, the employers have offered a pay increase of 1.7% from July 2025 and a further 1.9% from July 2026, with a contract term of 27 months.

The companies point to weak production figures and a lack of orders.

The negotiations were heavily influenced by the announcement of proposed drastic austerity measures by German car giant Volkswagen last week.