Germany: Adidas ceases to apply industry collective agreements as of 1 September

In August, the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L) informed the IG-BCE trade union – for the construction, chemicals and energy sectors – that sportswear manufacturer Adidas was to change its membership of the employers' association. As of 1 September, it has switched from ordinary membership to membership without a collective agreement. Behind this decision, which has been described as a "spectacular move", lies the refusal to agree to several union demands, including that of a collective framework for the group's highest salaries.

For the IG-BCE union and the HDS/L business organisation, the news of Adidas’ ‘exit’ from collective agreements is bitter. This comes at a time when the sector is holding up well in the face of the crisis and the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations are not presenting any major problems. It is “totally unsportsmanlike and contrary to solidarity”, said the IG-BCE, which is all the more furious given the group’s high profile.…

Thomas Schnee

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