German IG Metall Union Announces 24-Hour Strike Affecting About 3.7 Million Employees at Audi, Mercedes and Other Companies

On November 12, 2026, the German industrial union IG Metall announced that it will hold a 24-hour strike. The labor dispute involves approximately 3.7 million employees and covers companies such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tata Steel. IG Metall has not yet announced the specific strike date. Previously, the two sides held three rounds of negotiations. IG Metall is demanding a 5% pay raise for employees, measures to safeguard jobs and production sites, and the establishment of a profit-sharing mechanism for industries in good financial condition. The employers' proposal is: a one-time payment equivalent to 1% of wages to employees in July 2027; a 1.3% wage increase starting July 2028; and for companies in poor financial condition, the right to withhold the one-time payment. IG Metall has rejected this proposal. On Wednesday, employer associations in multiple German regions expressed opposition to the 24-hour strike plans proposed by IG Metall's local branches. Last week, IG Metall proposed a temporary arrangement: allowing employees at companies under operational pressure to make certain concessions, on the condition that the companies make binding commitments regarding future investment and jobs. Currently, the two sides have still not reached an agreement on wage adjustments and job security.