Collective bargaining conflict in Ludwigsburg: Will there be warning strikes at IG Metall?

Collective bargaining conflict in Ludwigsburg: Will there be warning strikes at IG Metall?

In Ludwigsburg, collective bargaining for the metal and electrical industries is at the forefront of a possible conflict. IG Metall and the employers disagree about wage increases and conditions. What will be the outcome of these discussions?

The current negotiations are of great importance, not only for the employees directly affected, but also for the entire industry in Baden-Württemberg. Ahead of the upcoming second round of negotiations, IG Metall sent a clear message with an impressive mobilization of over 6,000 employees. District manager Barbara Resch expressed her optimism with the words: “I expect an offer worth negotiating.” This shows the union's determination to stand up for the interests of the workers.

Employers in Bavaria and Bremen had already made an offer on Tuesday that provides for a gradual wage increase of 3.6 percent from July 2025. However, this offer is in stark contrast to the union's demands.

Union demands more money

The employers' negotiators, led by Harald Marquardt, clearly rejected the desire for a noticeable increase in salaries by announcing that they would stick with their original offer. The union, on the other hand, is demanding a pay increase of a whopping seven percent for employees. Particular attention will also be paid to trainees and dual students, who will receive an increase of 170 euros per month.

A crucial point in the negotiations is the planned duration of the collective agreement of twelve months. If the two parties do not manage to come to an agreement in a timely manner, the signs point to warning strikes, which will threaten after the so-called peace obligation ends at the end of October. This development could also have an impact on other areas of the industry, as it often acts as a signal.

So far the negotiations have not yet produced the desired compromise, which is creating a tense atmosphere. It remains to be seen whether employers will change their thinking in order to avoid an escalation of the situation. The coming days will be crucial as eyes turn to Ludwigsburg, where the future of collective bargaining in the metal and electrical industries hangs in the balance.

For further information and current updates on this topic, we recommend taking a look at the reporting from bnn.de. See the current reporting on bnn.de.