Germany: three-year pay deal in the temporary work industry

On September 17, the social partners in the temporary work industry, a sector which currently employs, in average, 800,000 people a year, signed a collective agreement on pay.  Until December 31, 2016, employees will receive three increases which will vary depending on the year and region (east or west).  In western Germany, minimum wage will amount to €8.5/hour before tax on January 1, 2014 (€7.86 in the east).  The social partners’ announcement arrived five days before the federal legislative election of September 22, whereas the campaign has been affected with the debate on the Federal State introducing universal minimum wage.  This agreement tends to confirm Angela Merkel’s position, who thinks that it’s better to let the social partners determine sectoral minimum wage alone.  (Ref.  130552)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Employers and the conservative party delighted by this long-term agreement. What a beautiful gift! Five days to the election, the conservative Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Ursula von der Leyen, didn’t miss the opportunity to make an electoral benefit from the announcement of the pay deal signed in the temporary industry on September 17, between the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) on the one hand and the Temporary Sector Bargaining Union (VGZ, which gathers the two bi

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...