IG Metall launches nationwide protests over German auto industry job cuts

Germany’s largest industrial union, IG Metall, launched nationwide protests on Monday against job cuts and cost-cutting measures in the country’s struggling automotive sector.

Under the slogan “Future instead of devastation – solidarity is our strongest brand,” workers at automakers and suppliers were called to take part in demonstrations across all German states, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

More than 200 events, including workplace meetings, extended lunch-break protests, marches and public rallies, were planned in major automotive centres such as Wolfsburg, Zwickau and Stuttgart.

IG Metall said it expected more than 100,000 people to participate.

“We are currently experiencing an unprecedented attack on workers in the automotive industry,” IG Metall Chairwoman Christiane Benner said, arguing that employees were being forced to bear the brunt of the sector’s crisis.

“This must stop,” she added.

Ahead of upcoming wage negotiations, IG Metall is demanding increased investment in German production sites and the preservation of the 35-hour working week.

The union also called on the government to support the industry by reducing electricity prices and bureaucracy.

Germany’s automotive sector is facing growing pressure from Chinese competitors, underused production capacity and the costly transition to electric vehicles. Several manufacturers and suppliers have announced restructuring programmes to reduce costs, fuelling concerns over job losses and potential factory closures.

By Sabina Mammadli