MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - According to the parties involved, the exploratory talks in the metal and electrical industry are proceeding objectively but slowly. "The employers are also very interested in settling the wage dispute. We are committed to finding a solution," says Horst Ott, head of the Bavarian IG Metall trade union and chief negotiator: "Everyone at the table is aware of their responsibility."

On Monday, the bargaining parties from the Bavarian and coastal bargaining districts will jointly attempt to reach a pilot agreement for 3.9 million employees in the metal and electrical industry nationwide. They are not yet on the home straight, says Ott. There are a few issues where a solution is gradually coming into view. "But we are miles apart on the core issue of money."

The union is demanding a seven percent wage increase for a contract term of one year. The employers are offering a total of 3.6 percent more in stages for a term of 27 months after nine zero months. Incremental increases and contract terms often played an important role in previous wage agreements.

Flexible arrangements in exchange for promises

Employers point to the constant stream of bad news from companies. Ott, on the other hand, says: "When companies get into difficulties, we have always found a solution. But we are talking about a collective agreement."

In the ongoing exploratory talks, individual topics are being discussed in small groups. For example, exceptions for companies that are doing badly, specifically those that generate less than 2.3 percent return on sales. Employers want to extend such exemptions. The trade union wants to limit this and in return wants other commitments. Various issues can also be combined.

In principle, there is agreement that wages for trainees should increase disproportionately. However, there is no concrete figure yet.

"Full throttle again" for the warning strikes

IG Metall intends to continue calling warning strikes until a pilot agreement is reached. "We're going full throttle again to show the employers that we're serious," says Ott.

The late shift at BMW's largest European plant in Dingolfing is to finish work two and a half hours earlier today. Ott wants to speak to the strikers outside the plant. In the Allgäu region, all shifts at AGCO Fendt, Robert Bosch and Liebherr Aerospace are to end their shifts two or three hours earlier. In total, IG Metall Bayern is calling on employees in 36 companies to go on warning strike./rol/DP/mis