03/06/2026 | At the automotive engeneering company IAV, the conflict over job security is intensifying. On March 3, IG Metall Berlin called for a protest rally at the site after previous negotiations had so far yielded no results. Employees sent a clear message: they will not tolerate a restructuring carried out blindly.
Around 650 colleagues gathered on Tuesday, March 3 in front of IAV’s Berlin headquarters to express their frustration over the unclear direction of the company management. With banners, chants, and emotional speeches, they sent a clear signal to the executive board: We urgently need a serious personnel and needs planning.
The employees received support from, among others, Steffen Krach, SPD’s lead candidate for the Berlin state parliament elections, as well as Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey (SPD).
Another round of job cuts on the table
The protests are rooted in nearly three months of ongoing negotiations between IG Metall, the works council, and management regarding the company’s strategic and personnel future. Despite seven rounds of talks, there is still neither a coherent overall plan nor binding commitments to safeguard the jobs that are supposed to remain after the planned cuts.
In 2024, around 600 positions had already been cut nationwide — with the promise of bringing the company back to a stable economic footing. Instead, in December 2025, management announced plans to cut around 1,500 more jobs in 2026.
IG Metall demands a viable future plan
“Employees have borne significant cuts in recent years,” explains Constantin Borchelt, Head Secretary of IG Metall Berlin. “Anyone who promises a positive outlook after extensive job cuts cannot, just a few months later, launch the next round of restructuring without at least presenting solid reasons and a viable overall plan.”
IG Metall makes it clear: Any further restructuring may only take place within the framework of a clear future plan that includes binding commitments to protect the remaining jobs.