Germany: 4% increase for rubber employees

The IG BCE union claims that, from January 1, 2012, the 25,000 employees in the rubber industry will get a first 3% increase, followed by a 1% increase on April 1, 2012.  They will also receive a single €200 bonus (€60 for apprentices) for the last three months of 2011.  Signed for 19 months, the agreement will expire on April 30, 2013.  Initially, the IG BCE asked for a 7% increase and an agreement over 12 months only.  Besides, the social partners agreed to gradually bring eastern and western wages in line.  Thus, by 2020, wages in eastern Germany will also increase by 12% and amount to 96% of the wage level in former FRG.  “We’ve managed to shut down the gap between eastern and western wages (…).  We’ve set a foundation in the history of collective agreements in the rubber industry” rejoiced Mark Welters, chief negotiator for the IG BCE, who said that the agreement was a “fair compromise.”  Employers are equally satisfied.  “This deal mirrors the sector’s good health and leaves businesses with a strong planning foundation in terms of wage costs, up to 2013” added Volker Schmidt, key manager of rubber employers.