The IG Metall union has rejected the coalition’s proposed relief bonus of €1,000 during upcoming wage negotiations, arguing that these payments should not be tied to permanent wage increases. Union head Christiane Benner told the Funke media group that the bonus is intended to be a short-term measure to alleviate the immediate burdens faced by employees, and that employers should pay this out quickly and directly. However, she stressed that in the medium to long term, workers require permanently higher wages. Benner noted that increases in rent or supermarket prices are not isolated incidents but represent long-term daily strain on people. She added that securing permanently higher income for its members is part of the union’s core mission, and they plan to campaign for this during upcoming wage negotiations.
These proposals came after the leaders of the Black-Red coalition presented their plans for easing the burden on consumers on Monday. In addition to a temporary reduction in taxes on gasoline and diesel, employers will now have the option to pay their employees a tax- and duty-free bonus during the current year.
The IG Metall is currently preparing for the next round of wage talks in the metal and electrical industry, which employs nearly four million people. This vital sector of German industry will enter its intensive negotiation phase in the autumn. The union also has upcoming negotiations scheduled in the iron and steel industry, skilled crafts, and with Volkswagen.
