zeit.de
German Auto Workers Strike Amidst Wage Talks
Warning strikes hit Mercedes and other companies in Ludwigsfelde, Germany, amid tense labor negotiations in the metal and electrical industry.
German
Germany
EconomyGermany Labour MarketNegotiationsStrikeLaborAuto Industry
Ig MetallMercedesMtuGestampDiehl
Tobias Kunzmann
- What event is taking place in Ludwigsfelde today?
- Workers at Mercedes, MTU, and Gestamp in Ludwigsfelde, Germany, are on warning strike today due to ongoing labor negotiations in the metal and electrical industry. The IG Metall union announced the strike, which began at 10:00 am.
- Where and when will the next round of negotiations occur?
- The fourth and potentially decisive round of negotiations between IG Metall and employers is taking place in Hamburg. IG Metall aims for a pilot agreement covering 3.9 million employees in the metal and electrical industry.
- What concerns are there about job security in Brandenburg?
- Job cuts are feared in Brandenburg's automotive and supplier industries, particularly at Mercedes in Ludwigsfelde and Diehl in Zehdenick. While Diehl denies plant closure, the company acknowledges the need for adjustments.
- What industry is facing economic challenges and what is the impact?
- The automotive and supplier industry in Brandenburg is facing economic challenges, leading to concerns about job losses. The ongoing labor negotiations aim to address both pay and job security issues.
- What are the main demands of IG Metall and the employers' counteroffer?
- IG Metall is demanding a 7% pay increase over 12 months, while employers offer a 1.7% increase in July 2025 and 1.9% in July 2026 over 27 months. Both sides express cautious optimism for a resolution.