Thousands protest Rheinmetall ammo plant conversion in Berlin; union backs project as job-saving

Protest against arms production by Rheinmetall in Berlin on 13.07.2027. Photo: Anadolu/imago

By Peter Nowak

The conversion of a car factory into a weapons factory in Berlin's Wedding district continues to draw criticism – though the actors involved have so far struggled to find a common position.

The former Pierburg plant was part of the automotive supply industry for decades, producing car components such as catalytic converter flaps. In the future, arms giant Rheinmetall plans to manufacture ammunition components there.

In mid-July, around 4,000 people took part in protests against Rheinmetall in Wedding. The well-known climate activist Greta Thunberg was also present. However, the plant's employees were not in attendance.

A representative of the Berlin Alliance Against Weapons Production, which organized the protests, told taz that despite several leaflet distributions at the factory gate, they had not managed to engage in conversation with the approximately 350 employees.

Union Stance

After the action days, the union IG Metall, which represents workers at the plant, published a statement emphasizing that it stands on the side of the employees. The conversion of the plant secures their jobs and "qualification measures." At the same time, IG Metall recalled its peace policy principles. Employees must not be made "pawns in political disputes."

Alliance Response

The Berlin Alliance Against Weapons Production rejected this accusation in a response. It stated that it is not criticism of militarization, but capitalist conditions that make workers pawns. The anti-militarists also consider securing livelihoods and workers' rights important. Instead of weapons, socially useful products should be produced. The alliance explicitly invites the union to discussions on this.

Internal Union Dissent

In mid-July, around 4,000 people took part in a demonstration against Rheinmetall in Wedding. Finally, members of IG Metall also participated in the action days against Rheinmetall in Wedding.

At the delegate conference of Berlin IG Metall in September 2025, a statement was adopted with only one dissenting vote. It calls on the union to resist militarization and social cuts. This statement is not directly available on IG Metall's website, but only on the Forum of Union Leftists, a coalition of members from various unions advocating an anti-militarist course.

Similar arms-critical statements have been published in recent months by IG Metall's works councils at major auto plants such as Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and the Cologne Ford plant.

Upcoming Events

At the nationwide protest camp of the Disarm Rheinmetall alliance, scheduled to take place from September 1 to 6 on the Cologne Rhine meadows, discussions between union members and anti-militarists are planned.

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