On Friday, several German cities witnessed protests by thousands of Mercedes-Benz workers rejecting cost-cutting plans, in moves expected to spread to other companies in the automotive sector.
These developments come amid strong competition from Chinese companies, along with US tariffs and declining demand in key markets, which has prompted a number of German companies to adopt austerity and restructuring measures that have included job cuts and reduced expenses.
Protesters gathered in front of Mercedes factories in several cities, while IG Metall union leader Christiane Benner, during a rally in Düsseldorf, confirmed the workers' refusal to be burdened with austerity plans, noting that shareholders are making huge profits while employees are being asked to sacrifice their rights.
The union rejects proposals that include increasing weekly working hours without pay and reducing some job benefits.
According to IG Metall, more than 33,000 workers participated in the nationwide protests, while Mercedes estimated the number at around 16,000 at six locations.
For its part, Mercedes, whose profits were halved last year, explained that cost-cutting plans were necessary due to high structural costs in Germany, especially labor costs, stressing that it is less competitive globally. The company added that it takes the concerns of its employees seriously and continues dialogue with their representatives.
In contrast, the union said that Friday's protests represent the start of a wider wave of action against austerity measures in the automotive sector, which could extend to other companies and suppliers, including Volkswagen, amid reports of possible plans to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs and close factories within Germany.
