The warning strikes in the East German textile industry have paid off: The collective bargaining agreement brings significantly more money for workers and an extension of the partial retirement program.
A Substantial Increase: 10 Percent More Pay in 4 Stages
- October 2024: 5% pay increase
- March 2025: 2% pay increase
- October 2025: 1.5% pay increase
- January 2026: 1.5% pay increase
Term: 22 months
Major Steps Toward Equalizing East and West
Even 34 years after reunification, incomes in eastern Germany remain below western levels. The agreement brings wage convergence a major step closer: “The pay scale will be raised by a full 10 percent in several stages. This not only stabilizes salaries but also represents a major step toward closing the gap between East and West,” reports Stefanie Haberkern, chief negotiator for IG Metall.
Through a phased approach, the annual bonus will increase to up to 100 percent over the next few years.
Inflation adjustment bonus and extra bonus for apprentices
In addition to the pay increase, employees will receive an inflation adjustment bonus of 1,250 euros in three installments: 500 euros will be paid out in both July and August 2024, with an additional 250 euros in September 2024. Apprentices will receive 50 percent of the inflation adjustment bonus. In addition, apprenticeship wages will be raised at a higher rate than the general increase. Starting with the 2024 apprenticeship intake, all apprentices will receive an additional 120 euros. This will be followed by a further increase of 50 euros.
IG Metall also succeeded in securing improvements to the partial retirement program: The partial retirement period will be extended, and with the introduction of a flexible exit model, older colleagues will be able to decide for themselves which exit option best fits their current stage of life.
Warning strikes were the turning point
The warning strikes marked the decisive turning point in the tough negotiations. While the first two rounds of negotiations took place during the peace obligation period , the employees were able to ramp up the pressure for the third round of talks. “The employers underestimated us,” reports Reiko Mothes, a works council member at the automotive seat manufacturer Adient and a member of the bargaining committee. “But the warning strikes really hit home. That allowed us to go into the third round of negotiations in a stronger position.”
