According to IG Metall, more than 8,000 works councils are demanding further relief for employees due to rising energy prices.

According to an appeal published in Frankfurt on Sunday, the measures adopted so far by the federal government are not enough.

In it, the employee representatives, together with IG Metall, call for a temporary reduction in taxes on electricity and gas and a cap on the price of gas up to a consumption of 8,000 kilowatt hours.

In addition, the basic tax allowance should increase to 12,800 euros.

This helps low- and middle-income households.

In addition, a socially fair mobility allowance should be introduced.

A corresponding signature campaign by IG Metall would have supported 8100 works councils, the union said.

According to IG Metall, they represent 2.4 million employees in over 3,600 companies.

IG Metall boss Jörg Hofmann demanded that the employees quickly needed further noticeable help with energy costs.

Hofmann also made speculation responsible for the price increases and demanded an end to the "price gouging of energy, raw materials and food".

At the end of March, the traffic light coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP agreed on a package of measures to reduce energy prices.

Plans include an energy price lump sum, a reduction in the energy tax on fuel for three months, and support for families and low-income earners.

Also planned are cheap tickets for buses and trains in local public transport as well as measures for more energy efficiency.

The early end of the EEG surcharge on July 1, 2022 was already decided in February in order to reduce electricity costs.