2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Trade More Money in the Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Trade in North Rhine-Westphalia

IG Metall North Rhine-Westphalia has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the North Rhine-Westphalia Trade Association for Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. Approximately 65,000 employees in the industry will benefit from this agreement.

The Details of the Agreement

Wages and apprenticeship stipends will increase in two stages:

• 2.95 percenteffective March 1, 2026  
• 2.55 percent effective March 1, 2027.

Capital-forming benefits will be increased by approximately 50 percent, amounting to 40 euros for employees and 20 euros for apprentices starting in 2027. In addition, the travel allowance has been increased by 10 percent. Employees receive this allowance when they work outside their regular place of work, for example on an installation job or at a remote construction site.

Patrick Loos, chief negotiator for IG Metall NRW, is satisfied with the collective bargaining agreement: “Given the cautious economic climate, the agreement is solid and represents progress in several areas. The significant increase in capital-forming benefits has a tangible impact on retirement savings, and the increase in the per diem allowance means greater recognition for assembly assignments and additional burdens.”

The collective bargaining agreement has a term of 24 months.