Warning Strike at Rolls-Royce in Magdeburg

IG Metall has called on the employees of Rolls-Royce Solutions Magdeburg GmbH to participate in a warning strike on Monday. The work stoppage is scheduled to begin at noon and is expected to last three hours. A rally is planned in front of the plant. Company management could not be reached this morning.

Pressure on employers is set to increase

The warning strike is intended to increase pressure on employers in the ongoing collective bargaining round for the metal and electrical industries. IG Metall is demanding a 5 percent pay increase, better consideration for lower pay grades, collective bargaining provisions to secure jobs and facilities, and profit-sharing in companies that are particularly successful economically.

Union Considers Offer Insufficient

“The employers’ offer to date does not meet these expectations,” IG Metall stated in advance. The plan calls for a one-time payment in July 2027 and a permanent increase in the pay scales of just 1.3 percent starting in July 2028, with a total term of 26 months. In real terms—that is, taking rising prices into account—this offer amounts to a pay cut for employees.

“The employees at Rolls-Royce in Magdeburg contribute every day to the company’s economic success and its future. They rightly expect a tangible and permanent pay increase. The employer’s offer to date is insufficient, comes far too late, and is intended to remain in effect for far too long,” emphasized André Voß, chief representative of IG Metall Magdeburg-Schönebeck.

IG Metall Takes a Nuanced View of the Industry’s Economic Situation

According to the union, the economic situation within the metal and electrical industry varies. While the order situation is difficult in some companies and sectors, other businesses are operating at full capacity or generating high profits. 

“IG Metall is therefore calling for collective bargaining agreements that do justice to these differing situations while ensuring that employees do not bear the sole burden of economic uncertainties. Employees expect a clear signal from the company and the employers’ association regarding a sustainable and fair collective bargaining agreement,” the statement said.