Huge strikes sweeping the German metalworking sector have ended with the main union provisionally agreeing two sets of pay rises to 2014.
Some 92,000 metalworking staff in the North-Rhein Westphalia region of Germany and 700,000 in total across the country staged a series of massive stoppages this week and last in a bid to force employers’ hands.
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From July this year, employees will receive a 3.4% pay rise, while next May will see a settlement of 2.2% until the end of December, 2014.
“We asked for 5.5%…so we have had difficult decisions,” an IG Metall spokesman told just-auto from Germany.
“Next week, we have discussions with the Tariff Commission. It is our union Commission and they must give their vote – yes or no.”
The enormous strikes – affecting 680 factories – were mainly lightening walkouts for one hour except for the heavily industrialised North-Rhein Westphalia region where the stoppages were from three to four hours.
The Gesamtmetall or German Metalworkers Employers Association recommended the pay rises nationwide following initial agreement in Bavaria.
“The pilot agreement ensures planning security and demonstrates vision and fairness,” said Gesamtmetall president, Rainer Dulger.
Last week, negotiating committees representing Volkswagen and IG Metall had pay negotiations in Hanover, home to the automaker’s main commercial vehicles plant.
VW’s chief negotiator, Martin Rosik, who heads human resources at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “2013 is a difficult year, there are no signs of a recovery. Volkswagen must face up to developments on the European market, competitiveness must not be compromised.
A moderate pay agreement is therefore even more essential than in previous years.”
