Trade Union Wants to Push Adidas Back into Collective Bargaining - Adidas Faces Union Backlash After Leaving Collective Bargaining Framework
Adidas has sparked controversy by leaving the sector's collective bargaining framework, leading to a dispute with the IG BCE union. The company has been accused of 'pure populism' and faces threats of industrial action.
Adidas's finance chief has slammed the union's proposal for an in-house wage deal, accusing them of 'pure populism' for tarnishing the company's reputation. The sportswear giant maintains that its compensation packages are strong and competitive, pointing to voluntary wage increases above agreed tariffs. However, the IG BCE union dismisses Adidas's reasoning for leaving the collective bargaining system as 'nonsense'.
The union has announced plans for industrial action against Adidas, following the company's surprise exit from the agreement on September 1, 2025. During its congress in Hannover on October 19, 2025, the IG BCE decided to use all available means to pressure Adidas into rejoining the sectoral collective bargaining agreement. So far, direct negotiations about a sectoral agreement or in-house collective contract have been unsuccessful. The union criticizes Adidas's withdrawal from the collective agreement and proposes negotiating an in-house wage deal. Adidas, however, justifies its exit due to a lack of flexibility in the wage structure, citing a recent pay increase 0.5 percentage points higher than the latest negotiated deal.
Adidas's decision to leave the collective bargaining system has led to a tense standoff with the IG BCE union. The company faces accusations of populism and a threat of industrial action. Despite Adidas's claims of strong compensation packages and voluntary wage increases, the union remains unconvinced and plans to push for the company's return to the sectoral agreement.
