Frankfurt am Main – Employees in car dealerships and workshops are to receive 8.5 percent higher wages. This was decided on Tuesday by the board of directors of IG Metall in Frankfurt for the start of the collective bargaining round in the automotive trade. “Prices and working conditions are weighing on workers like never before. They now urgently need sustainable tariff increases,” said Ralf Kutzner, executive board member of IG Metall.
In concrete terms, the union is demanding a social component, for example in the form of an inflation compensation premium, in addition to a wage increase of 8.5 percent for 12 months. IG Metall is aiming for disproportionately increasing training allowances for trainees.
Companies are looking for skilled workers and scare away employees
According to an IG Metall survey of 4,700 employees in garages and car dealerships, work has become harder and more stressful for 82 percent in recent years. Almost two out of three employees are toying with the idea of changing their current employer: their basic willingness to give notice is high (37%) or even very high (25%). According to two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed, their companies are currently losing skilled workers.
Ralf Kutzner: “The mood in car dealerships and workshops is alarming. Inside, technological change and working conditions are putting the pressure on, outside, prices. Employers who scare their people off now are driving the mobility of tomorrow up against the wall. Our colleagues expect good collective bargaining agreements and full throttle for more money and appreciation!” In the IG Metall survey, 91 percent of those surveyed stated that the price increases for energy and food had a big impact on their wallets.
The economic situation in the sector is good
87 percent of employees report a good order situation. Ralf Kutzner: “The business with new and used cars is booming, orders are backing up in front of the workshops, and returns are setting records. The employees give their all – for this they now have to get 8.5 percent more money. “
435,000 people are employed nationwide in the motor vehicle trade. 91,000 employees benefit from a collective agreement. In 2023, IG Metall will conduct collective bargaining for motor vehicles on a decentralized basis and at the same time in its districts. The peace obligation ends on March 31, 2023. Warning strikes are possible from April 1.