New Collective Bargaining Agreement Signed for Aviation Security Workers in Germany 🇩🇪
Air safety staff of 25,000, represented by Verdi and BDLS, finalize a joint contract agreement.
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After a grueling negotiation period, the labor union Verdi and the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS) have sealed a deal on a fresh collective bargaining agreement for approximately 25,000 aviation security personnel. According to Verdi's Tuesday evening announcement, this agreement touches up pay and working conditions for employees responsible for passenger screening, personnel, cargo, and other bigwigs at Germany's airports.
Targeting better wages and perks, the new CBA promises an hourly wage hike of 0.70 euros starting May 1, with an additional 1.00 euro bill increase set for April 1, 2026. The percentage-wise wage boosts range from 7.2 to 10.6%, depending on the wage group. Besides, the care allowance for handicapped passengers will get an upgrade.
Key features in the fresh CBA include earlier overtime extra payment, a fairer part-time allowance system for all employees, additional holidays for significant events like weddings and moves, enhanced occupational safety, and significant anniversary payments (300 euros after ten years to 2000 euros after 40 years of service).
ntv.de | AFP
Enrichment Insights
While there seems to be no immediate CBA discussion underway for aviation security personnel globally, it's worth knowing what's brewing for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- CBA Termination: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced its decision to terminate the CBA for TSA workers, citing the urgent need for TSA's operation and safety improvements [2][3]. However, this decision has sparked resistance from unions and lawmakers who advocate for TSA workers' rights.
- Legislative Battles:
- The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act seeks to reestablish the collective bargaining rights for TSA employees, countering the DHS's decision [2].
- The Abolish TSA Act intends to scrap the TSA, taking on its functions with private security companies, potentially paving the way for different management and compensation structures for federal aviation security workers [2].
- Recent CBA: Prior to the DHS announcement, a seven-year CBA was inked between the TSA and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), affording benefits including flexible shift trade options, uniform allowances, and parental bereavement leave [3].
- Unrelated Agreements:
- Recently, Local 9 security workers at SeaTac sealed a deal with the Port of Seattle, granting them significant wage hikes like a 10% pay increase for 2024 [5]. Though separate, it's an inspiring example of aviation security personnel score victories in collective bargaining.
FedSmith | Peoples World | Port of Seattle
Image Source: American Federation of Government Employees
- The employment policy for aviation security workers in Germany, as outlined in the newly signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), includes a significant increase in hourly wages and improved working conditions.
- In a separate development, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have previously agreed on a CBA, offering benefits such as flexible shift trade options and parental bereavement leave.
- Verdi, the labor union in Germany, announced that part of the new aviation security CBA involves a fairer part-time allowance system, echoing similar efforts documented in recent agreements, such as the one between Local 9 security workers and the Port of Seattle.
