Business · Economy · 2 hrs ago
German metal industry warns 300,000 more jobs could be at risk
Gesamtmetall says 300,000 more jobs are at risk in Germany’s metal and electrical industry over the next two to three years.
The employers’ group says the industry has already lost 350,000 jobs since 2019.
If the further cuts happen, Gesamtmetall says employment could fall to 3.4 million, its lowest level since German reunification in 1990.
The warning comes during a pay dispute with IG Metall, the industry’s union, which is seeking a 5% pay rise over 12 months and protections for jobs and sites.
Employers have made a lower pay offer, which the union has rejected, and workers have begun warning strikes.
The wage negotiations are still under way, while Gesamtmetall’s job-loss figure is a warning, not a confirmed outcome.
Gesamtmetall says another 300,000 jobs in Germany’s metal and electrical industry could be at risk over the next two to three years.
The employers’ association says 350,000 jobs have already been lost in the sector since 2019.
Its chief executive, Oliver Zander, says the threatened losses could leave the industry with 3.4 million workers, the lowest level since German reunification in 1990.
The warning comes during a pay dispute in which IG Metall is seeking a five percent wage increase and has called warning strikes.
The sources report different figures for the employers’ pay offer: t-online says it includes a 1.3 percent staged increase, while Bild says it amounts to 1.8 percent more pay by the end of 2028.
- Who
- Gesamtmetall, the employers’ association for the metal and electrical industry, warns of potential job losses. Its chief executive is Oliver Zander.
- What
- The association says another 300,000 jobs could be at risk over the next two to three years.
- When
- The warning was reported on November 3 and 4, 2026. The potential job losses are projected over the next two to three years.
- Where
- Germany’s metal and electrical industry.
- Why
- Gesamtmetall cites underutilised capacity and says the industry’s situation is worsening. Bild also reports pressure from Chinese competition, high labour and energy costs, bureaucracy and US tariffs.
Gesamtmetall
IG Metall
Pay claim
Gesamtmetall
Zander says IG Metall’s demand for five percent more pay over 12 months is irresponsible given the industry’s situation.
IG Metall
IG Metall is seeking a five percent pay increase over 12 months.
Jobs and business conditions
Gesamtmetall
Gesamtmetall says companies are struggling to survive and that the union’s demands could put more industrial jobs at risk.
IG Metall
IG Metall is also seeking to protect jobs and sites; Bild reports that the union cites management failures, especially among car executives.
The metal and electrical industry has lost 350,000 jobs, according to Gesamtmetall.
Workers in the sector have taken part in warning strikes, t-online reported.
Reports published Gesamtmetall’s warning that another 300,000 jobs could be at risk over the next two to three years.
- Jobs lost since 2019
- 350,000
- Further jobs at risk
- 300,000
- Forecast period
- Next two to three years
- Possible future workforce
- 3.4 million
- IG Metall pay demand
- 5% over 12 months
3 sources
What people are saying
In view of underutilisation, another 300,000 jobs in the metal and electrical industry alone are at risk over the next two to three years.
The situation is catastrophic, many companies are fighting for survival and there is no improvement in sight.
The IG Metall demand for five percent for twelve months is therefore irresponsible.