BERLIN (Dow Jones) — Veronika Grimm believes it is possible that IG Metall can assert itself with its demand for the introduction of the four-day week in the steel industry. Grimm said in an interview with the Welt television channel on Thursday evening that the shortage of workers increases “the bargaining power of employees”. This could mean “that you can enforce a four-day week.”
However, she pointed out that in view of the shortage of skilled workers, Germany needs “everyone in the job offer”. Also, given inflation, it would be very important for people to catch up in real incomes. They would have to limit themselves “if they really don’t get more in real terms and instead work less”. Here the employee representatives would have to decide whether this was the right strategy. Grimm’s conclusion: “Of course, it’s possible that you end up with a four-day week if you enter the negotiations with this demand.”
Contact the author: [email protected]
DJG/cln
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 06, 2023 15:46 ET (19:46 GMT)