Germany: construction industry wants to erase west/east difference within 9 years after granting a 3.2% increase in the former and 4% in the latter

After a marathon 24-hour negotiation, on Friday, April 5, the construction social partners – the IG BAU union, the ZDB confederation of German construction SMEs (Zentralverband des Deutsches Baugewerbe) and the HDB Construction Industry Federation (Hauptverband der Deutschen Bauindustrie) – announced that they had reached an agreement increasing the salary of nearly 734,000 employees (HDB figures).  Even though activity is down, the German construction industry is doing well, which is why the IG BAU was able to secure wage increases amounting to 3.2 (west) and 4% (east).  Equal pay between the two sides of the country was at the center of the debate.  The union managed to squeeze out total leveling over nine years.  (Ref.  130228)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

3.2-4% increase over 13 months. German construction social partners agreed on a 3.2 increase for the 549,000 employees in western Germany and 4% for the 185,000 in the East on May 1 and for 12 months. For apprentices, whose remuneration will increase proportionately, a new ‘information clause’ will be introduced. It will forced the training companies to let their apprentices know, 3 months before their apprenticeship is over, whether or not they will be hired after they graduate.

After one af

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle
In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...
2 December 2025
3
Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining
On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...
2 December 2025
4
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
5
France: construction sector turns to long-term partial activity scheme
Amid the ongoing economic crisis hitting France’s construction sector, social partners in the public works industry (350,000 employees) signed an agreement at the end of October enabling companies...
21 November 2025
6
Inditex European works council mobilises on value sharing
In a joint statement, 10 trade unions comprising the European works council of the Inditex clothing group are calling for rallies in Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany...