Germany: new setback for the CGB Christian union

Seized by the majority services union, Verdi, the Federal Labor Court of Erfurt issued an appeals judgment, on June 11, stating that the small health union, Medsonet, affiliated with the Christian Trade Union Federation of Germany (CGB) was not representative enough to negotiate collective agreements and that those it had already signed were therefore not valid.  This decree is a new step in Verdi’s fight against Christian unions, who allegedly sign “indulgence agreements” with employers.  Already weakened by a series of court losses, ailing Christian unions could become more and more secondary in the German union landscape.  (Ref.  130393)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Not enough members. For the 16 unions affiliated with the CGB’s Christian unions (Christlicher Gewerkschaftsbund), this is a new defeat which could have a heavy impact. After ruling that the “Union of Christian temporary unions” (CGZP) was not suited to negotiate collective agreements in December 2010 (see article No. 100890), the Federal Labor Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht) gave the same ruling for the Medsonet health workers’ union. In Decree No. 1 ABR 33/12, the Court reminds that this un

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...