German Employers Propose Strike Restrictions, Unions Push Back

Gesamtmetall advocates for legal limits on strikes during collective bargaining, but unions denounce the proposal as a threat to constitutional labor rights.

• Gesamtmetall has formally presented a legislative proposal to restrict strikes, requiring mediation before strikes can occur and limiting pre-mediation strikes to narrow conditions.
• The proposal includes measures to ensure basic services during strikes, such as a 96-hour notice period and maintaining essential public transportation operations.
• Gesamtmetall President Stefan Wolf argues the measures aim to make strikes a last resort, citing public frustration over disruptions caused by recent labor actions.
• IG Metall has strongly opposed the proposal, calling it an attack on constitutionally protected strike rights and emphasizing the importance of workers' ability to negotiate on equal terms.
• Political uncertainty looms as the SPD's stance on the proposed legislation remains unclear, raising questions about its viability in Germany's legislative process.

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