IG Metall steps up German metalworkers’ strikes in pay dispute affecting 3.7 million

IG Metall intensified strikes in Germany’s metal and electrical engineering industry on Nov. 2 and 3, 2026, amid a pay dispute affecting 3.7 million employees, not necessarily striking workers. The union wants a 5% wage increase and job safeguards. Employers offered a later 1.3% raise and a one-off payment, which the union dismissed as effectively a real-terms pay cut. Further strikes and participation figures were planned, not yet reported.