Press Release Textile service providers call for a “pay raise that really makes a difference”

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall is kicking off collective bargaining negotiations for employees at textile service providers with a demand for a 6 percent pay increase and improved partial retirement arrangements. The IG Metall executive board made this decision on Tuesday. Nationwide, 23,000 employees work in the industry, cleaning work clothes in industrial laundries, for example. More than half are directly covered by collective bargaining agreements.

“Due to high turnover and price increases, our colleagues feel like they’re being put through the wringer. Now is the time for companies to make a meaningful commitment to their employees,” says IG Metall negotiator Miriam Bürger. A minimum amount of 180 euros is intended to provide disproportionately greater relief to employees with monthly wages below 3,000 euros. In addition, the union is calling for the option of collective-agreement-based partial retirement to be maintained and expanded.

According to IG Metall negotiator Miriam Bürger, companies are doing well to very well despite uncertainties. They expect stable to growing revenue and profit figures. A major problem, however, is the shortage of skilled workers and labor in general, with many unfilled positions and high employee turnover.

According to an IG Metall survey of employees in the industry, the labor shortage leads to increased stress and illness for 85 percent of respondents. For 60 percent, leaving their current company is a real possibility. 87 percent are calling for better working and training conditions to attract young talent. As for older employees, 83 percent are calling for more opportunities for partial retirement.

Miriam Bürger: “It’s in the companies’ own best interest to make their industry and working conditions more attractive. Employees need a pay raise that really makes a difference!”

The first round of collective bargaining will take place on May 6, 2025, in Frankfurt. The collective bargaining peace obligation ends on May 31. Warning strikes will therefore be possible starting June 1, 2025.