(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUL 1 - IG Metall is urging Mercedes-Benz workers across Germany to protest the tightening of austerity measures. According to the announcement, demonstrations will take place this Friday at the Sindelfingen and Untertuerkheim (Stuttgart) plants. The union's local representation in Stuttgart has also planned actions in Rastatt, Kuppenheim, Bremen, Berlin, Hamburg, Duesseldorf, Ludwigsfelde, and Germersheim. The context is that the Stuttgart-based automaker is tightening its austerity measures. In a letter sent to employees in Germany late last week, the management board stated that it was necessary to "continue to reduce costs as a matter of urgency" in order to maintain competitive product prices. (ANSA).