IG Metall, Germany's largest trade union, said that collective bargaining for some 180,000 temporary workers in the metal and electrical industry has failed.
Employers have refused to pay an inflation compensation bonus of €3,000 ($3,226) which was paid to permanent employees at the same companies, the union said in Frankfurt.
"The employers are denying the temporary workers an important part of their wages and [not honouring] the collective agreement of the metal and electrical industry," said IG Metall trade union leader Juan-Carlos Rio Antas.
He added that the gap between permanent and temporary employees is widening.
"We will not go along with this division. Permanent and contract workers deserve the same money for the same work," he said.
The collective agreement for industry wages for temporary agency work in the metal and electrical industries will expire at the end of the month.
After nine months, temporary workers have a legal right to the same pay as permanent staff in a company for the same work.
A union spokesperson said that when the collective agreement expires, those affected could sue for their missing wages if necessary.
According to IG Metall, several thousand permanent workers have protested in recent weeks to demand an inflation compensation premium for temporary workers as well.
Further protests are expected in the coming days.
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