Positive Developments in Car Repair Shops' Employee Wage Negotiations Across Germany
Increased Salaries for Workers in Auto Repair Shops - Increased Wages for Employees in Automotive Repair Facilities
In a recent declaration from Frankfurt, IG Metall Middle, the trade union, announced a favorable turn in wage negotiations with the collective bargaining association of the Hessian automotive industry. This positive development will boost salaries for approximately 30,000 workers in Hessian car repair shops and car dealerships.
Starting July 20XX, employees can expect a 2.3% salary increase, with an additional 3.3% increase effective August 1, 2026. Apprentices, too, will benefit from this announcement, with their wages increasing by 80 euros per year of training effective July 20XX, followed by a 3.3% increase one year later.
A notable agreement reached by the parties is the option for employees to convert a portion of their earnings into extra time off. This means they can take advantage of free days, with the related costs covered by deductions from their income. However, at the time of writing, employers have yet to offer confirmation.
Simultaneous Negotiations in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland
Just like Hessia, wage negotiations are currently underway in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. In the case of Rhineland-Palatinate, around 11,000 employees are being represented in negotiations, with the second round of talks scheduled for May 21, 20XX in Koblenz. The situation in Saarland follows a similar trajectory, with negotiations for roughly 8,000 employees in the car repair shop and car dealership sectors scheduled for May 27, 20XX.
For the Northern and Eastern region, which encompasses Thuringia, wage negotiations are being conducted centrally.
IG Metall's Previous Stance
Prior to these fruitful negotiations, IG Metall Middle had called for warning strikes to press their demands on employers. Originally seeking a 6.5% pay increase, relief from extended working hours, and a 170 euro increase in apprentice wages, IG Metall has navigated a challenging yet promising path towards better wages for thousands of employees.
- The employment policy in the Hessian automotive industry, as outlined in the recent declaration from Frankfurt, includes a 2.3% wage increase for approximately 30,000 employees starting July 20XX.
- In the Palatinate and Saarland regions, similar wage negotiations are underway for around 11,000 and 8,000 employees respectively, mirroring the developments in Hessia.
- An agreeable aspect of the employment policy in the Hessian car repair shops is the option for employees to convert a portion of their earnings into extra time off, with related costs covered by deductions from their income.
- IG Metall Middle, the trade union, had previously threatened warning strikes to push for a 6.5% pay increase, relief from extended working hours, and a 170 euro increase in apprentice wages, but have navigated a compromise towards incremental benefits for employees.
