In the first round of collective bargaining for the approximately 100,000 employees in the German textile and fashion industry, there was no rapprochement. The employers flatly rejected the demands of IG Metall. “For us, 2023 is a fateful year. Anyone who is struggling across the board with historic record costs for energy and raw materials cannot pay a historically unique demand by IG Metall for eight percent more for twelve months,” said the negotiator on the employer side, Markus Simon, on Tuesday in Frankfurt. Many companies are in the fourth year of crisis in a row and fear for their competitiveness.
The negotiator for IG Metall, Miriam Bürger, reminded the companies of the lack of skilled workers they complained about. “Simple calculation: If you want skilled workers and workers, you have to pay them appropriately. Industry wages need to go up!” The economic situation in the industry allows the demand for eight percent, but at least 200 euros more money per month. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 28 in Ingolstadt. (dpa)