The approximately 100,000 employees in the German textile and clothing industry will receive more money. Employers and IG Metall agreed on this on Saturday night, as the General Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry announced after 16 hours of negotiations. The wage agreement provides for a total increase in income of 8.1 percent, for lower wage groups there should be at least 230 euros more. In addition, there should also be tax-free inflation compensation payments of 1500 euros and a continuation of partial retirement at improved conditions with a term of 24 months.
IG Metall had asked for 8.0 percent more money for a term of twelve months. “The collective bargaining result means a noticeable relief for employees’ wallets in view of inflation,” said the union’s negotiator, Miriam Bürger, on Saturday. With the collective bargaining result, the companies also secured their future. The union had called for several warning strikes in recent weeks.
According to employers, this year’s collective bargaining round was one of the most difficult in recent decades. Chief negotiator Markus Simon said: “Despite the very different ideas, it was finally possible to find a compromise after a tough struggle. In view of the tense situation in the industry with record energy costs and the highest inflation for decades, this was a particular challenge.” The announced closure of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof branches and the insolvency of Peek
