Germany’s metalworkers strike in push for pay rise


IG Metall, Germany’s largest union, continues to call out its members in a series of short warning strikes to increase pressure on the employers.


The union is looking for a 6.0% increase for the 3.5 million employed in the industry, plus the right for shift workers, parents and those caring for dependents to reduce their weekly working time from 35 hours to 28 for a period of up to two years. 


During this period of reduced hours, part of the loss of earnings would be made up by the employer (€750 a year for shift workers and €200 per month per child under 14 or dependent).


€1 = 87p on 24 January