Germany: demographic ageing at the heart of the coming collective negotiations in the chemical industry

6 percent wage increase.  IG BCE leader Michael Vassiliadis says that the high wage increase called for by his union is completely justified because of the flourishing economic situation in the sector.  “Many chemical businesses are overflowing with force and have a particularly high competitiveness level” the union leader pointed out, adding that, in the weeks to come, businesses were going to publish new record reports.  “Chemistry staff did good work.  They have deserved a wage increase worthy of the name” he added.  Shortly before this announcement, the BAVC (Bundesarbeitgeberverband Chemie) employers’ organization called on the union to be ‘realistic’ and take account of the “economic slowdown and uncertainties because of the debt crisis.”