In the steel industry of Eastern Germany, IG Metall and employers have struck a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing about a pay rise and increased flexibility in working hours. Starting from next year, employees will receive an inflation adjustment of 3,000 euros and a 5.5% salary hike in 2025. This agreement also ensures job security for around 8,000 workers, permitting a reduction of up to three hours in weekly working hours when demand is low, with partial wage compensation.
Reiner Blaschek, the head of the Steel Employers' Association, applauded the regulation on individual working hours, granting employees more flexibility. IG Metall's chief negotiator, Dirk Schulze, praised the agreement, acknowledging it as a fair compromise under economically challenging circumstances.
Turning our attention to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the steel industry has not been involved in the latest collective bargaining negotiations. Conversely, the steel industries in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have reaped benefits from improved wages and job security, reflecting similar discussions in Brandenburg.
The potential implementation of similar tariffs in Brandenburg's steel industry could attract more workforce to the region, bolstering the local economy. Thuringia, another Eastern German state with a minor steel industry, might consider introducing comparable measures to stimulate growth and draw skilled labor.
As we examine the broader picture, the recent collective wage agreement at Volkswagen, notably the wage freeze, bonus reductions, and job cuts, might influence negotiations in other industries and regions. However, specific agreements would require industry-level discussions, taking into account regional economic conditions and union strategies.
