Germany: temporary workers to receive “recruitment bonuses” in the chemical industry in November 2012

Gap closing between permanent and temporary pay.  Four weeks after the agreement signed by the IG-Metall (see our dispatch No.  120331), the IG BCE chemistry union signed, with the Federal Union of Temporary Employers (BAP) and the Group of Temporary Businesses (iGZ), a collective agreement which introduces, for the first time, “recruitment bonuses” for temporary workers in the chemical industry.  The amount of the bonus will vary with the length of the temporary worker’s assignment in the company: the longer the assignment, the higher the bonus.  It will go from 15 percent of the salary after 6 weeks in the company to 50 percent after 9 months.  This system will help noticeably close the gap between the remuneration of temporary and permanent workers.  The union gives an example: currently, a temporary worker in the first – lowest – wage category earns, following the collective agreement signed between the DGB’s unions and the BAP temporary employers’ organization, €8.13 an hour.  On the contrary, a permanent employee in the same category in the chemical industry (in Hessen) earns €13.39 an hour.  After November 1, the temporary worker will first get a 15 percent bonus after 6 weeks in the company, 20 percent after 3 months, 30 percent after 5 months, 45 percent after 7 months and, finally, 50 percent after 9 months – for a final hourly salary of €12.20.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ion of temporary and permanent workers. The union gives an example: currently, a temporary worker in the first – lowest – wage category earns, following the collective agreement signed between the DGB’s unions and the BAP temporary employers’ organization, €8.13 an hour. On the contrary, a permanent employee in the same category in the chemical industry (in Hessen) earns €13.39 an hour. After November 1, the temporary worker will first get a 15 percent bonus after 6 weeks in the company, 20

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
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
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...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...