The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) stands in solidarity with German metal workers who are fighting for an improved quality of life. Since the 9th of January 2018, IG Metall which represents over 3 million German workers in the metal and electrical sector has embarked on a series of daily one day ‘warning strikes’ ahead of a crucial bargaining council meeting later in the month where it will demand improved conditions for workers. The trade union is fighting for workers to have the option to reduce their working hours to a 28 hour week for a total of two years with the automatic right to return to full time employment afterwards.
IG Metall is also demanding a 6 per cent wage increase given that the German economy is performing well, and unemployment levels are low. This is a justifiable demand because the success of the economy is directly as a result of the hard work and sacrifice of the working class. NUMSA stands in solidarity with German metal workers. Companies which have been affected by these strikes include VW, BMW, Porsche, Otis (the lift maker); automotive group Bosch and truck maker MAN amongst others.
Workers at IG Metall are not just fighting for better pay, but also for an improved family life so that they can be better parents to their children, and so they can support ailing relatives. NUMSA extends its solidarity to IG Metall and all German workers as they fight this noble cause. Ultimately it is German society as a whole which will benefit from these progressive changes in the workplace. Their struggle is an inspiration to workers around the globe.
Aluta continua!
The struggle continues!
Issued by Irvin Jim
General Secretary of NUMSA