IG Metall threatens wind industry workers with strikes over wage demands

The union, which represents around 3.9 million workers, signalled its intention to enter into negotiations with employers after its executive board recommended that union representatives demand a 7% pay increase for metal and electronics workers over a 12-month period.

The employees represented by IG Metall include workers from major European wind turbine manufacturers such as Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Enercon and Nordex.

The IG Metall board is expected to make a final decision on the official negotiation demands on July 7.

A union spokesman told Windpower Monthly that the union’s Vestas and Siemens Gamesa workers could go on strike later this year if union negotiators’ demands are not met.

“IG Metall is preparing for all possible negotiation outcomes. This includes the preparation of actions, possible warning strikes, 24-hour strikes and even a vote on full strikes. Employees from all departments can take part in the strike actions. Which departments will be involved will be determined in due course. Employees from suppliers can also take part in the strikes,” said the spokesman.

Unlike at Vestas and Siemens Gamesa, employees at Nordex and Enercon are not bound by a collective agreement and will therefore not go on strike, IG Metall said.

However, these companies could also be affected by the outcome of the expected negotiations, the union stressed.

“The collective agreements also have an impact on companies that do not apply the collective agreement. They set standards for working conditions and pay that many companies use as a guide. What we negotiate for collective bargaining employees is therefore relevant for the vast majority of employees in the industry,” said the spokesman.