Germany: IG BCE chemistry union sets the maintenance of employment as its priority for 2010 collective bargaining

“So far, the social partners in the chemical industry have managed to overcome the crisis without any major layoff wave. And we need, as much as we can, to keep it this way” explained Peter Haussmann, IG BCE expert for collective bargaining to justify the hardly binding claims presented by the third union in Germany (700,000 members). These claims will be detailed, after consultation of the members, in February 2010, a few weeks before the negotiations start. However, we already know that everything will be done for job security and better training and career prospects for younger employees. Mr. Haussmann already announced that his union encouraged businesses to use all existing clauses in current agreements. They allow reducing weekly working time to 35 hours with a 10% wage cut compared with wages negotiated in collective agreements. He also asked businesses to keep using short-time working measures. “Currently, around 30% of the sector’s businesses are using them. Extending short-time working has proven successful to face the crisis. This is why we are happy with the new government’s decision to extend it again” he said. The IG BCE also wants to commit to maintain the current apprenticeship level. Finally, the chemistry union doesn’t want to give up the wage increase because employees already agreed to many sacrifices during the crisis. “Therefore, we won’t let wages stagnate, especially since inflation should go back up as soon as the economy resumes” he declared. However, the increase won’t be the same as last year – 3.3%. For their part, the sector’s employers think that, with an average 10% cut in sales and worsening productivity, there is hardly any room for maneuver to negotiate a wage increase. The IG BCE is also in favor of an agreement limited to 12 months. “With our current situation, we’re flying by the seat of our pants” Peter Haussmann said.