In Germany, a wave of large-scale industrial strikes began.
Since the beginning of November, more than 413 thousand workers in the metals and electronics sectors have taken to the streets, and protest actions have reached more than 2,800 companies across the country.
The demonstrations affected the major car companies: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, B. from. Wu, Porsche and Volkswagen, as well as Airbus, Bosch and Ford.
One of the most prominent demonstrations was a demonstration at the Audi plant in Kersholm, where, according to the union, about 6,500 people gathered.
Many workers came not only to demand an increase in wages, but also out of concern for the future of their factories. On posters they wrote "Don't close companies", and in conversations with journalists they admitted that keeping their jobs is more important to them than raising wages.
The reason for the protests is the impasse in negotiations between the IG Metall union and the employers.
The union is demanding a 5% wage increase over 12 months and guarantees of job retention, while the companies are offering a one-off payment and a total increase of just 1.3% from July 2028, which IG Metall says means a drop in real income.
Negotiations are ongoing, and the course of events will depend on the employers' willingness to reconsider their offers.
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