In Frankfurt on 10 October, the IG Metall metals union presented its demands for the collective negotiation process that is set to start on 15 November 2017, and which will affect 3.9 million workers. In light of the relevant sectors’ buoyant economic conditions, Germany’s biggest trade union is calling for a 6% increase in salaries and above all for more flexible working time by way of the right to work a 28-hour week on a temporary basis. Employers are however, expected to find this as well as other union demands difficult to swallow as they struggle to cope with current manpower shortages.
6% salary increase. On 10 October IG Metall presented its set of demands ahead of the November negotiations, and which for the most part re-iterated those that had been put to union debate last September (c.f. article No. 10358). On the issue of salaries the union is calling for a 6% rise over 12 months. “Profits are high and everything is pointing to sustained growth,” confirmed IG Metall head Jörg Hoffmann.
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