175,000 German autoworkers demand a future, not cutbacks23 September, 2026Around 175,000 workers took to the streets across Germany on 21 September, defending jobs, working conditions and demanding investment in the future of the automotive industry.
IG Metall action day 21 September17 September, 2026On Monday, 21 September, automotive workers across Germany will take coordinated action at approximately 100 plants and supplier sites. Over 280 actions are planned across IG Metall's local offices under the slogan A future, not sweeping cuts – solidarity is our strongest brand.
OECD complaint filed over Mercedes-Benz labour practices15 September, 2026IndustriALL and the United Auto Workers have filed a formal complaint with Germany's OECD National Contact Point, demanding that the German government facilitate dialogue between Mercedes-Benz and the unions over workers' treatment in Alabama. The complaint alleges Mercedes-Benz has created an unacceptable divide between the labour standards it promotes globally and how it treats workers in its US operations.
IndustriALL mobilizes support for democratic unions in Mexico7 September, 2026Mexico ranks among the world's top ten manufacturing economies. The country attracts significant foreign investment from large multinational companies, particularly in the automotive, aerospace and related supply industries. Yet the situation of the Mexican trade union movement has been a cause for concern. Trade union structures have not always effectively defended workers' rights, including the right to a living wage. This has contributed to significant wage gaps, particularly in sectors like the automotive industry.
IF Metall ends industrial action against Tesla after almost three years13 August, 2026"There seems to be no limits to the length Tesla would go to keep unions out of their operations. Unfortunately they have managed to pay their way out in Sweden. At least that has given the former IF Metall members more money in their pocket, but the insecurity of not having a union or a collective agreement still remains," says Atle Høie, IndustriALL Global Union general secretary.
NUMSA strike forces First Battery to review retrenchments6 August, 2026A 17-day strike at a battery plant in East London, South Africa, ended with an improved settlement. The agreement also provides for a review of the selection criteria and a joint indaba on the company's future.
Women’s Centre visit to Autoliv in Nador24 July, 2026On Wednesday 22 July 2026, the Women's Centre in Tunisia and IndustriALL organized a field visit and training day at Autoliv's site in Nador, Zaghouan Governorate. The centre operates under the auspices of Fédération Générale du Textile, de l'Habillement, Chaussure et Cuir (FGTHCC-UGTT) and IndustriALL.
South Africa: First Battery workers strike over retrenchments9 July, 2026Workers at First Battery downed tools on 6 July, after the company moved ahead with retrenchments of 165 workers despite union objections. First Battery is a South African automotive lead-acid battery manufacturer owned by the JSE-listed Metair Group.
South African autoworkers strike over wages at BAIC plant25 June, 2026Workers at Beijing Automotive International Company (BAIC)'s assembly plant outside Gqeberha Port Elizabeth, South Africa, are on strike after the company cut hourly wages by more than half following a two-month shutdown, in breach of national industry agreements. Members of IndustriALL affiliate, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) have been off the job for more than ten days.
IndustriALL withdraws from human rights agreement with Mercedes-Benz19 May, 2026IndustriALL Global Union has withdrawn from its Principles of Social Responsibility and Human Rights agreement with Mercedes-Benz Group, after the company repeatedly violated the agreement's core commitments and refused all attempts to find a constructive way forward.
