According to trade union information, more than half a million employees have so far taken part in warning strikes in the wage dispute in the metal and electrical industry. "The employees in the industry are reacting increasingly impatiently to the maneuvering of the employers' side," said IG Metall boss Jörg Hofmann, according to a statement on Sunday.

Since the end of the peace obligation two weeks ago, there have been numerous warning strikes, rallies and other actions. IG Metall is also calling for further walkouts in the new week and announced that it will increase the pressure. On Monday evening, the board will decide on how to proceed.

In the nationwide collective bargaining dispute, IG Metall is demanding eight percent more wages for a contract term of twelve months. Employers offered a one-off payment of 3,000 euros net for a period of 30 months, as well as an unspecified increase in the wage tables. Among other things, they refer to the expected economic crisis in Germany and sharply rising energy costs, also for many companies.

After four unsuccessful rounds of negotiations, all eyes are on Baden-Württemberg. There, the parties to the collective bargaining offered to look for a way to a pilot degree. The next hearings in the district are scheduled for Thursday. If the talks fail, the union could also initiate a strike ballot on indefinite strikes.