Germany/IG BCE seeking more flexible working time for the benefit of workers.
Initially commenced but unsuccessful at regional level, chemical sector collective negotiations covering more than 580,000 workers started at national level on Wednesday 05 September. They are expected to be difficult, because apart from demands for a 6% salary increase over 12 months and a ‘substantial’ increase in the holiday bonus payment (the trade union is calling for €40 per diem for all full time staff as compared with €20.45 currently as well as a €900 bonus vs. €449.94 currently for apprentices, the IG BCE union wants employees to have greater freedom over managing their working time. In an interview, the IG BCE chief negotiator, Ralf Sikorski made clear that he was seeking to negotiate an agreement that allows staff to choose between accepting additional pay (for example a higher holiday bonus) and more free time.