Tens of Thousands Protest Cost-Cutting at Mercedes-Benz

Tens of thousands of Mercedes-Benz employees participated in nationwide protests against the automaker's intensified cost-cutting strategy. The demonstrations, called by the IG Metall union, took place at various traditional sites, including Sindelfingen, home to S-Class production.

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The employees are not in agreement with the board's plans and the dismantling of the social state.

According to the union, approximately 20,000 employees joined the protest in Sindelfingen alone, while the company cited 10,000 participants. Ergun Lümali, head of the general works council, addressed the crowd, stating that employees disagree with the board's plans and the erosion of social standards, which he believes undermines any basis for further talks. "The employees are not in agreement with the board's plans and the dismantling of the social state," Lümali said.

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The key to a strong automotive industry lies in investments in future-proof products, locations, and employees.

IG Metall leader Christiane Benner emphasized at a rally in Düsseldorf that discussions about competitiveness should not come at the expense of working conditions. She argued that "The key to a strong automotive industry lies in investments in future-proof products, locations, and employees." The union reported over 33,000 participants across Germany, contrasting with the company's figure of around 15,750. Mercedes-Benz stated it is evaluating the work stoppages according to legal and operational regulations and remains committed to dialogue, adding that production impacts can be managed through operational flexibility.

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We evaluate the work stoppages along the applicable legal and operational regulations and continue to rely on a responsible dialogue.