2025 Textile Services Collective Bargaining Round Textile Services: Employees Demand 6 Percent

IG Metall is demanding a 6 percent pay increase for workers in the textile services sector— but at least 180 euros. In addition, thecollective bargaining agreement’s partial retirement program is to be extended and improved. The new collective bargaining agreement is to have a term of 12 months. The IG Metall executive board adopted these demands on Tuesday following a recommendation from thebargaining committees.

This marks the start of collective bargaining for the approximately 23,000 workers in the textile services sector. Since the spring, workers at the companies have been discussing potential demands. IG Metall also surveyed the workers. The result: Workers need a pay raise and a continuation and improvement of the partial retirement program.

“The survey shows very clearly: The rising prices of recent years continue to put a strain on workers’ incomes,” says IG Metall chief negotiator Miriam Bürger. “They’re not looking for a luxury vacation; they simply want to be able to pay their weekly grocery bills, fill up their cars with gas, or cover their rent.”

More Money and Better Partial Retirement

The economic situation in Germany is tense. Sixty-two percent of the employees surveyed in the textile and service sectors agree. However, the situation is viewed far more positively within their own companies: 86 percent consider it acceptable. Nearly half of those surveyed even rate the situation at their own company as very good or good. “We see that companies are doing well, but also that uncertainty is increasingly spreading,” said Bürger. “In light of the overall situation, IG Metall has decided on a 6 percent wage increase.”

But a pay raise isn’t the only issue on employees’ minds. Given the high average age in the industry, there is still a need for a predictable transition to retirement—and this applies to a growing number of employees. Therefore, in addition to the pay demand, the continuation of partial retirement under improved conditions is part of the package of demands.

Collective Bargaining Ambassadors Provide Updates

Preparations for actions in the 2025 collective bargaining campaign are in full swing. To this end, bargaining ambassadors have been recruited to keep their colleagues closely informed about the current status and next steps during the negotiations. They provide feedback on the mood in the workplaces.

The first round of negotiations between IG Metall and the employers will take place in Frankfurt on May 6.

The peace obligation ends on May 31, 2025. Warning strikes will be possible starting June 1, 2025.