Germany: a pilot agreement was concluded in the chemistry department

The chemistry union - IG BCE - and the chemistry managerial organization (BAVC) signed, on March 8, a wage settlement, which should play a key role in the numerous wage negotiations which will soon take place in other branches. The 550 000 employees concerned will receive a 3.6% raise as well as a 0.7% exceptional bonus. It is the highest pay raise in this branch for the last twelve years. (Ref. 070219)
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A flexible wage raise. As their last agreement concluded in 2005, social partners introduced a flexibility factor at the wage level, which was required by employers. Thus, companies will be able to decide themselves, in accordance with their works council, to pay, reduce or suppress the 0.7% bonus, regarding their economic health. “The wage increase added to the bonus equals a 4.3% raise, which is a good result. It is an honest compromise”, judged Werner Bischoff, chief negotiator for the IG BC

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