IG Metall Rejects Longer Work Week

In the ongoing metalworkers’ trade talks, IG Metall head Jürgen Peters has again rejected employer demands for longer working hours. Adding five hours or extra working time represents “about a 13 percent wage decrease,” said Peters, adding that he anticipated another heated round of discussion. Peters defended the trade union’s core demand for a 4 percent wage and salary increase. “We’re not going to let salaries be regulated down,” he said. “This is a country of high prices, therefore we need high salaries in order to keep up some sort of standard of living.”