Frankfurt am Main/Ostbevern- tariff dispute in the West German textile and clothing industry: After a third-unsuccessful collective bargaining, IG Metall is expanding the warning strikes in the industry with around 100,000 employees.
IG Metall broke off the third trial in Ostbevern (NRW) on Thursday night without results. IG Metall negotiator Miriam Bürger: “Instead of responding to our demands, the textile employers have insisted at their point of view. So there was no stop. However, the employees urgently need a relief package in response to price increases and working stress. “
Specifically, IG Metall demands 6.5 percent more money, but at least 200 euros for employees in lower wage groups. In addition, in view of the workload for older, the union demands improved partial retirement regulations. The topic of conversation is also a bonus for union members and their commitment to collective bargaining. Employers rejected an argument proposal from IG Metall.
“Wage waiver is not a future strategy”
Employers currently offer a flat rate of 25 euros each for the first 8 months, followed by two increases in the monthly fees from November 2025 in the amount of 1.5 percent and in November 2026 of 2.0 percent. The existing partial retirement regulations should only be continued, not improved. IG Metall negotiator Citizen: “We know the situation of the companies and are willing to talk and negotiate. However, we are not available for a real wage minus of the employees. Wage waiver is not a future strategy. “
IG Metall inevitably called other warning strikes. Negotiator Citizen: “The employers provoke with a hanging game. Those who do not move at the negotiating table move people in front of the work gates. ” So far, 12,000 textile and clothing employees have participated in promotions and warning strikes. A fourth collective bargaining is planned for April 10th.