As was the case during the first round of negotiations in early March, the central issues once again focused on a fair pay system and reduced working hours. IG Metall is calling for the introduction of the framework collective agreement for IT services to ensure competitive and fair working conditions for all employees.
No progress in negotiations
In the second round of negotiations, there was no approchement between the parties. The employer side continues to insist on the current internal pay system and rejects the introduction of contractual days off.
"The second round of negotiations was, in my view, quite mixed. On the one hand, we finally got a first glimpse of the very opaque current pay system. On the other hand, the employer side mainly emphasized what cannot be done. A fundamental improvement of the pay system? No. T-ZUG? Not that either. Job security? Absolutely not. And so on. There's still a lot of work ahead of us," said Hendrik Schober, member of the IG Metall bargaining committee at Rolls-Royce Solutions.
Majority of workforce supports demands
Last week, the demand for a collective agreement was further supported by a petition from the majority of the workforce. During a works meeting, the bargaining committee presented a symbolic large check to management, clearly documenting the majority of employees' desire for a collective agreement with the requested terms. This reaffirms that the workforce stands behind the collective bargaining demands and continues to push for a swift resolution with management.
"The colleagues at Rolls-Royce Solutions have not only organized very quickly but also demonstrated their willingness to fight for their rightful demands. With the petition, they have clearly shown that they are happy to work for the company – but not at any cost. Good working conditions can only come with a collective agreement," explained Jan Brauburger, Trade Union Secretary at IG Metall Berlin.
Demands remain clear
The core demands of the workforce remain unchanged. In addition to the introduction of a transparent and fair pay system via the framework collective agreement for IT services, employees at Rolls-Royce Solutions are also demanding:
- 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 discussions in the second round of negotiations were constructive. However, on the crucial points, we are still far apart. In the next round of negotiations, we will strongly advocate for the rightful demands of IG Metall members at Rolls-Royce Solutions, especially for a fair and transparent pay system and additional contractual days off," said Thomas Weber, Trade Union Secretary at IG Metall Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony and IG Metall negotiator.
What’s next?
IG Metall will push for a quick resolution of the collective bargaining conflict during the third round of negotiations, which will take place on May 14, 2025. Should no progress be made by then, further escalation of the conflict cannot be ruled out.
