Aggressive action taken against Witzenmann
Let's talk about the recent strikes happening in the Witzenmann region.
Approximately 80 employees from Witzenmann GmbH locations, including Pforzheim, Buchbusch, Remchingen, and the subsidiary Witzenmann-Speck, have decided to band together and participate in a warning strike today. This action, which lasted for an hour and a half, was also joined by employees from Gebr. Saacke. A human chain was formed, demonstrating the employees' collective dissatisfaction.
Tom Wolters, the 1st authorized representative of IG Metall Pforzheim, spoke passionately to the gathered trade unionists. He announced that they are stepping up their efforts during the current collective bargaining round in the Baden-Württemberg metal and electrical industry. This week, they plan to initiate daily warning strike actions and rallies at multiple plants in the metal and electrical sector. The response last week was encouraging, and they anticipate even higher participation this week. The employees' message is loud and clear: employers must significantly improve their existing offer, and they will not be easily persuaded to settle for less.
This warning strike is a response to the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations in the Baden-Württemberg metal and electrical industry. After three rounds, there has been no resolution reached as of yet. IG Metall is pushing for a 7 percent salary increase for the one million employees in the Baden-Württemberg metal and electrical industry over the course of 12 months, as well as an additional 170 euros for trainees and dual students.
Cornelia Ast, chairman of the works council at Witzenmann GmbH, stated that "in these critical times, we must stand together to safeguard our rights and interests." They are advocating for "fair compensation that reflects the rising cost of living," and job security, especially in the face of digitalization and climate change. Effective communication with companies and clear collective bargaining regulations are crucial to ensuring the maintenance of jobs and their adaptability for the future.
It's essential to note that, as of June 1, 2025, an agreement was reached in the Baden-Württemberg metal and electrical (M+E) industry that enables companies to temporarily loan employees to each other, an initiative taken to mitigate short-time work or potential redundancies in the face of fluctuating order volumes and underutilized capacities. However, a comprehensive, new collective bargaining agreement addressing wages, working conditions, and other major issues has not been concluded as of this date. The aforementioned agreement pertains solely to employee lending, suggesting that negotiations for broader issues may still be ongoing.
Typically, IG Metall demands significant wage increases, job security, improved working conditions, training opportunities, and enhanced rights for employees affected by economic downturns or restructuring. While the current agreement focuses on crisis management and flexibility, broader wage and condition demands by IG Metall have not been addressed comprehensively. The employees' warning strikes are their way of making their concerns heard and pushing for a more favorable collective bargaining agreement.
The warning strike, initiated by Witzenmann GmbH employees and supported by Gebr. Saacke, is a part of the escalating efforts by IG Metall in the Baden-Württemberg metal and electrical industry, which includes a push for a 7 percent salary increase and job security in the face of digitalization and climate change. This financial and industrial action is aimed at securing fair business practices and favorable collective bargaining agreements.
