Germany's IG Metall union launches rolling strikes for better pay

Members of Germany's powerful IG Metall trade union began striking in the metalworking and electrical sectors in the early hours of Sunday to demand better pay and job guarantees. 

The night shift at tinplate manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein in the south-western city of Andernach downed tools temporarily after a midnight (2300 GMT) deadline expired, with around 300 workers gathering outside the factory gates for a protest.

A similar action also began overnight at mobile communications supplier RF 360 Europe/Qualcomm in Munich.

The action in support of a 5% pay rise over a 12-month period, as well as guarantees for jobs and industrial sites is expected to spread across Germany next week.

IG Metall, Germany's largest union with members across the vital automotive sector, aims to increase pressure during collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of approximately 3.7 million employees.

During the second round of negotiations, employers presented an offer that included a one-off payment next year and a phased increase of 1.3% in July 2028.

The offer, which fell below the rate of inflation, was justified by employers on the grounds of the difficult economic situation and the high cost pressures facing industry in Germany.

IG Metall head Christiane Benner said that the "so-called offer" had triggered nothing but "incomprehension and anger" among workers. The objective, she said, was to safeguard purchasing power and secure a future for everyone working in Germany.

"The midnight strike at Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein is merely the opening act of a major wave of industrial action," IG Metall regional head Jörg Köhlinger told striking workers in Andernach.