News

Over 94% of Union members have voted to accept the increased offer made by German employers in a two-year deal.



On 1 January 2010, German cleaners’ wages and training allowances will increase by 3.1 % in the West and by 3.8 % in the East. Further increases of up to 2.5% will be applied again in the second year. The hourly wages in the lowest wage group, which also will be the new minimum wage in the industry, will be €8.55 in the West and €7.00 in the East.



“We have far exceeded the original employer offer made before the strike and this is a result of the brave and strong commitment of our striking colleagues. The strike has paid off,” said National Chairman of the IG BAU, Klaus Wiesehügel.



“Even in the other tariff matters, we have made substantial progress. There will be an introduction to occupational pension schemes, in which the employer will contribute around €23 for every €100 in the employees' pension accounts. In addition, negotiations on employee collective agreements will start in January. So, we have achieved our goals and the strike is over.”



More information on this dispute can be found at www.igbau.de