In the collective bargaining dispute in the metal and electrical industries, the union is stepping up pressure on employers. The bargaining committees for Berlin-Brandenburg and Saxony have decided to respond to “the employers’ blockade” with full-day walkouts, according to a statement from IG Metall. “Now we’re shutting down operations around the clock,” said district director Jan Otto. “Without a fundamental change in the employers’ stance, there will be no agreement in this collective bargaining dispute.” The union’s federal executive board will pass the formal resolution for the full-day warning strikes on Thursday. In this collective bargaining dispute, the third round of negotiations recently ended nationwide without a result. IG Metall is demanding a 5 percent pay increase over a twelve-month period for the approximately 3.7 million employees. Employers have offered a one-time payment over 26 months next year and a 1.3 percent step increase in 2028. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
