Trade unions demand 7 percent more for state employees - Hesse unions demand 7% wage hike for state workers in 2026 talks
Public sector unions in Hesse are pushing for higher wages as new negotiations approach. They want a 7% salary increase for state employees, with a minimum monthly raise of €300. Talks in the region will begin on February 27, 2026—later than in most other federal states.
Hesse operates under its own wage agreement system, meaning earlier negotiations in other regions won’t affect its process. The state’s unions, including the GEW under chair Thilo Hartmann, are calling for significant pay growth to support workers. They also demand an extra €200 per month for trainees.
The upcoming negotiations in Hesse will focus on improving wages for both full-time staff and trainees. If successful, the changes would take effect after February 2026. The outcome will determine pay levels for thousands of state workers across the region.
