16.01.2019 Ι No solution in the collective bargaining conflict in the West German textile industry. In the second trial, employers offered 3.4 percent more money – but for 28 months. “Way too puny” for IG Metall. It demands 5.5 percent – for 12 months, more money for partial retirement and an option for more days off.
In the collective bargaining conflict in the textile and clothing industry in West Germany, no quick solution is emerging. In the second round of negotiations on Wednesday in Neu-Ulm in Bavaria IG Metall and employers were unable to achieve any results. Although employers offered an increase in wages and salaries of 3.4 percent – but over a period of 28 months.
The IG Metall, on the other hand, demands 5.5 percent within 12 months for the approximately 100,000 employees. In view of the economic situation in the industry, it needs more than ever a moderate and middle-class suitable conclusion, said the negotiator of the Gesamtverband of the German textile and fashion industry, Markus Simon.
For IG Metall negotiator Manfred Menningen the offer is “in sum too puny”. In particular, the employers’ target of 28 months is too long.
The IG Metall had demanded the beginning of collective bargaining in December in addition to 5.5 percent more money and higher employer contributions to partial retirement. The IG Metall wants to achieve so that more employees can afford to go into partial retirement. In addition, employees should be given the option of being able to take more days off from income increases. Employers reject not only the amount of salary, but also the option for more free time.
The current collective agreements expire on January 31, 2019. The negotiations will continue on 12th February in Bielefeld.
250 employees demonstrated before the trial
More than 250 employees had gathered in the run-up to the negotiations for a rally in Neu-Ulm to support the IG Metall’s negotiating commission and put pressure on their demands. They traveled from textile factories in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, including Hartmann in Heidenheim, Hugo Boss in Reutlingen and Mann + Hummel from Himmelkron in eastern Upper Franconia, almost 300 kilometers away.
“The more than 250 metalworkers have made it clear with their rally today that the employees of the West German textile and clothing industry do not want to be disconnected from the general income development,” says IG Metall negotiator Menningen. “The industry will only be attractive to skilled workers if it offers employees appropriate offers.
In addition to a reasonable increase in pay and an improved partial retirement scheme, this also includes flexible working time models for reconciling work and life. Employers today had it in their hands that the wage dispute does not escalate. Unfortunately, they did not take the chance. “