No progress had been made during the first two rounds of negotiations in March. IG Metall is demanding the introduction of the framework collective agreement for IT services to ensure competitive and fair working conditions for all employees. However, the employer has so far insisted on maintaining the existing in-house pay system and has rejected the introduction of collectively agreed paid leave days.
Workforce Rallies Behind IG Metall Negotiators
Back in March, the workforce reinforced its demand for a collective agreement through a majority-signed petition, which was presented to management during a company meeting. At the third round of negotiations, employees again made themselves heard: The time for waiting is over. During their lunch break, many colleagues gathered in front of the building with flags, clappers, and whistles, giving strong backing to the IG Metall negotiating team. "The solidarity message from Enrico Wiesner, union representative at Siemens Energy, especially inspired everyone and reminded us that we’re already on the right track," reported Sabrina Lamers, Trade Union Secretary at IG Metall Berlin.
Demands Remain Clear
The core demands of the workforce remain unchanged. In addition to introducing a transparent and fair pay system through the framework collective agreement for IT services, employees at Rolls-Royce Solutions are calling for:
- The introduction of the collectively agreed additional payment with the option of converting the special payment into up to 8 days off
- Improved conditions for applying for mobile working
- Opportunities for mobile working from abroad
- A location and employment guarantee until December 2029
The active lunch break was not just symbolic: "You could clearly feel that our action yesterday left an impression on the employer. Suddenly, our counterparts were open to negotiation and interested in finding compromise. Once again, we see: when colleagues stand together and raise their voices for their legitimate demands, negotiations move forward and we get closer to an agreement," said Jan Brauburger, Trade Union Secretary at IG Metall Berlin.
Thomas Weber, lead negotiator from IG Metall’s Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony district office, confirmed this: "We had high turnout and fantastic energy yesterday — huge thanks to all the colleagues. I’m very confident we’ll reach a solution before the summer holidays. But to do that, we need to keep up the pressure."
