Germany's largest industrial union on Saturday announced the launch of nationwide warning strikes in the metal and electrical sectors after rejecting employers' wage offer affecting about 3.7 million workers.
IG Metall chair Christiane Benner criticised the employers' proposal as a real-wage cut, accusing companies of provoking "incomprehension and anger" among employees amid rising prices.
"The employers want to take money away from people in the end," Benner said in a statement.
"Renunciation does not make anything better. We demand a clear commitment from the other side to the future of the factories and employees," she added.
The first work stoppages are scheduled to begin overnight into Sunday, according to the union.
IG Metall warned that strikes would intensify if further regional negotiations next week failed to produce progress.
The union is demanding a 5 percent pay increase over 12 months, along with measures to protect jobs.
Employers, however, offered a one-time payment in July 2027 equivalent to 1 percent of average annual gross pay, ranging from approximately €555 to €800 ($620 to $894), depending on the region.
Their proposal also includes a permanent 1.3 percent wage increase beginning in July 2028 under a 26-month agreement.
IG Metall rejected the offer, arguing that it would leave employees worse off as living costs continue to rise.
