German metalworkers are extending their work stoppages in a wage dispute involving around 3.7 million employees. The companies affected include Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Schaeffler, Bloomberg News reports.
The IG Metall trade union is demanding wage increases of 5 percent over twelve months as well as stronger employment protection. Employers have offered a one-off payment equivalent to 1 percent of annual salary in 2027 and a wage increase of 1.3 percent from July 2028.
The dispute comes as the German automotive industry is being squeezed by weak demand and high costs. Schaeffler announced on Tuesday that it will close five facilities in Europe and reduce its workforce by 3,460 positions, around three-quarters of them in Germany.
The next round of negotiations begins on Thursday.
