Strikes begin in German metal and electrical industry

The first strikes in the German metal and electrical industry started on November 1, 2026, after wage negotiations failed. The dispute affects a sector with 3.7 million workers and has drawn interest from French companies due to the close economic ties between the two countries.

Initial strike actions in Andernach

According to a Reuters report from November 1, around 300 workers from Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein and nearby companies participated in the first strike during the night of October 31 to November 1 in Andernach. Additional strikes took place in the electronics and automotive component industries.

Union outlines strike goals

IG Metall, the union representing workers, confirmed the start of the strikes and plans to expand them in the coming days. These are temporary work stoppages aimed at influencing negotiations and do not involve all 3.7 million employees in the sector. The union is demanding a 5 percent wage increase over twelve months, along with job security and more employee involvement in company profits.

Employers propose limited raises

On October 27, the employer group Gesamtmetall proposed a one-time bonus equal to 1 percent of the annual gross salary in July 2027, with possible adjustments based on company conditions. It also proposed a 1.3 percent wage increase in July 2028, with an agreement valid until the end of that year. Unions argue this would leave workers vulnerable to rising prices, while employers cite weak industrial activity and high costs as reasons for their proposals.

French companies linked to German industry

Germany is France's top trading partner for goods and services. In 2025, French exports to Germany reached 114 billion euros, compared to 125 billion euros in imports. A quarter of bilateral trade involves transport equipment, with significant shares in aerospace, automotive, and automotive parts. French manufacturers are closely tied to German suppliers and production sites in these sectors.

Potential impacts on cross-border operations

Prolonged strikes in some facilities could disrupt component deliveries or cross-border production schedules. However, at this stage, the reported strikes are limited, and no major disruption to French supplies has been reported. The actual effects will depend on which companies are affected and how long the strikes continue.

Industry facing declining activity

The standoff takes place in a German sector experiencing declining activity, especially in the automotive industry. Gesamtmetall reported that metal and electrical production fell by 2.2 percent over the first eight months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. IG Metall argues that maintaining workers' purchasing power is essential for supporting consumption and demands job security. Negotiations continue at the regional level in Germany, with new strikes planned. French companies are closely watching for any shift from isolated strikes to broader production interruptions in shared sectors.