Another 1,500 euros net for workers in the metal and electrical industries: The second half of the inflation adjustment bonus (IAP) totaling 3,000 euros from the 2022 metal industry collective bargaining agreement is now due.
Full-time employees who have been with the company for six consecutive months as of March 1, 2024, are eligible for the 1,500 euros.
IG Metall secured this provision during collective bargaining for the metal and electrical industries at the end of 2022, in addition to permanent wage increases (5.2 percent in June 2023, followed by another 3.3 percent in May 2024). The first half of the inflation adjustment bonus (IAP I) was already paid out in 2023.
Part-time employees receive IAP II on a pro-rata basis according to their working hours, but at least 400 euros, as was the case last year. This also applies to those in “mini-jobs.” Employees in partial retirement who previously worked full-time receive half the amount: 750 euros.
Apprentices and dual-track students will receive 550 euros. No minimum length of service is required for them.
The payment date may vary—no later than March 1
Typically, the IAP II is paid with the January paycheck. However, the collective bargaining agreement on the inflation adjustment bonus (IAP) allows the works council and the employer to agree on different payment dates. In many companies, the IAP II was already included in the December paycheck.
However, the IAP II must be paid out by March 1, 2024, at the latest.
The inflation adjustment bonus is not a government benefit; rather, it must be paid by the employer. The government has merely made the payment tax- and contribution-free.
You can find detailed answers regarding the 2022 metal industry collective bargaining agreement and the inflation adjustment bonus in our FAQ.
Over 900,000 metalworkers applied pressure with warning strikes to secure the 2022 collective bargaining agreement in the metal and electrical industries. Initially, employers even wanted to push through a “zero increase” due to the energy crisis and offered nothing at all during the first six weeks leading up to the end of the peace obligation on October 28. After more than 20 rounds of negotiations, IG Metall finally achieved a breakthrough in mid-November in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.
