Metal Industry Wage Negotiations: Balancing Job Security and Pay Raises in VW Crisis

As the metal wage negotiations commence regionally on September 11 and the possibility of warning strikes looms from October 29, the focus shifts to the significance of secure jobs over high wages in the midst of the VW crisis.

With around one million employees in the metal and electrical industries, including major players like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the IG Metall's demands for a 7% pay increase and higher stipends for apprentices face resistance. Lead negotiator Harald Marquardt deems the requests excessive, highlighting the industry's profit challenges.

With the pilot district setting the tone, initial resolution prospects remain uncertain, potentially leading to strikes if no agreement is reached by the end of October.