Metal Workers in Germany to Receive a 5.5% Raise Over Two Years

In Germany, approximately four million workers in the electrical and metal processing sectors will receive a significant wage increase following an agreement reached today between the country's largest trade union and employers. The agreement made by the IG Metall union is expected to prevent new strikes as Europe’s largest economy approaches early elections next year.

According to a statement from the union, the workers will receive a total wage increase of 5.5% over the next two years as a result of the agreement reached after 18 hours of negotiations. Initially, the union was pushing for a 7% increase over a 12-month period.

IG Metall leader Christiane Benner stated, "Despite difficult conditions, we managed to achieve a solid outcome for employees." This increase will occur in two phases: a 2% increase starting in April next year, followed by another increase from April 2026 and a one-time bonus of 600 Euros, which will be paid before February 2025.

As is customary in Germany for such agreements, a "pilot" agreement was reached in two areas, Küste and Bavaria, to serve as a template for the rest of the country.