2026 Collective Bargaining Round for the Eastern Textile Industry Negotiation Outcome for Eastern Textile Industry Stabilizes Incomes

Following intensive negotiations and significant pressure from the workplaces, a sustainable agreement has been reached for the textile industry in eastern Germany.

“Despite massive resistance from employers, we were able to prevent a zero wage increase that would have lasted well into next year,” said IG Metall negotiator Eileen Müller. “With their powerful warning strikes, our colleagues broke through the deadlock in the negotiations.”

Solution Reached in Third Round of Negotiations 

After three rounds of negotiations, IG Metall and the employers agreed on an 18-month term. Employees will receive a one-time payment of 350 euros in July 2026. Starting in November 2026, wages will increase by 2.2 percent, followed by a further increase of 2.3 percent in June 2027.

Apprentices will also benefit. Their pay will increase by 80 euros in August 2026 and by an additional 70 euros in August 2027. This sends a clear signal about the appeal of apprenticeships in the eastern textile industry.

Another key component of the negotiation outcome is the extension of the collective bargaining-based partial retirement program. It provides planning security for older employees and continues to enable reliable transitions into retirement.

An Important Signal in Economically Challenging Times 

“This agreement sends an important signal regarding stable incomes, better prospects for apprentices, and social security until the transition to partial retirement. The outcome strengthens employees and provides planning certainty for the coming months,” said Müller.