Tariff Round: Textile Services, 6% Demand
- FRANKFURT, Germany – IG Metall, the German metalworkers' union, is demanding a 6% wage increase, but at least 180 euros, for employees in the textile services sector.
- The tariff negotiations will affect approximately 23,000 workers in the textile services industry.
- Miriam Bürger,an IG Metall negotiator,stated that rising prices continue to strain workers' incomes."The survey shows very clearly: The increased prices of recent years continue to burden the employees'...
IG Metall Seeks Wage Hike, Improved Partial Retirement for Textile Workers
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FRANKFURT, Germany – IG Metall, the German metalworkers’ union, is demanding a 6% wage increase, but at least 180 euros, for employees in the textile services sector. The union is also seeking an extension and enhancement of the existing partial retirement program. The proposed collective agreement would have a term of 12 months. The decision was made Tuesday by the IG Metall board, following recommendations from its tariff commissions.
The tariff negotiations will affect approximately 23,000 workers in the textile services industry. According to IG Metall, employee discussions and surveys conducted since the spring indicated a need for higher wages and a continuation of the partial retirement scheme.
Miriam Bürger,an IG Metall negotiator,stated that rising prices continue to strain workers’ incomes.”The survey shows very clearly: The increased prices of recent years continue to burden the employees’ income,” Bürger said.”They are not concerned with a luxury vacation, but simply about paying the bills for weekly shopping, the tank filling for the car or rent.”
More Money and Better partial Retirement
While 62% of textile service employees surveyed acknowledge a tense economic climate in Germany, a notable 86% view the situation within their own companies as satisfactory. Nearly half of those surveyed consider their company’s situation to be either “very good” or “good.”
“We see that the companies are doing well, but also that uncertainty is increasing,” said Bürger. “In appreciation of the overall situation, IG Metall decided on the claim of 6 percent.”
Beyond wage increases, the union emphasizes the importance of a predictable transition into retirement, particularly given the industry’s high average age. The proposed improvements to the partial retirement program are thus a key component of the union’s demands.
Tariff Ambassadors to Inform Workers
IG Metall is actively preparing for potential industrial action in 2025. As part of this readiness,the union has appointed “collective bargaining ambassadors” to keep workers informed about the negotiation process and gather feedback from companies.
The first negotiation session between IG Metall and employer representatives is scheduled for may 6 in Frankfurt.
The current peace obligation expires on May 31, 2025, making warning strikes possible from June 1, 2025.
IG Metall Demands for textile Workers: Wage Hikes and Retirement Improvements
This article explores the recent demands put forth by IG Metall, the German metalworkers’ union, on behalf of textile service workers. We’ll examine their requests for wage increases, improved retirement benefits, and the broader context of these negotiations.
What is IG Metall demanding for textile workers?
IG Metall is calling for a 6%