Public Service Unions Launch 2025 Collective Bargaining Negotiations for Federal and Municipal Employees
Berlin, January 24, 2025 – Representatives of public sector unions and employers from the federal government and municipalities have met today to kick off collective bargaining negotiations for the year 2025. The negotiations will cover approximately 2.5 million employees in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and administration.
The unions, represented by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and the German Civil Servants Federation (DBB), submitted a demand for a 10.5% salary increase over a period of 12 months, retroactive to January 1, 2025. The employers have not yet responded to the demand.
Key Demands from the Unions:
- 10.5% salary increase
- Improved working conditions
- Secure employment
- Strengthening of collective bargaining rights
Employer’s Position:
The Association of German Cities (Städtetag) and the Association of German Municipalities (DGB) have not yet made a formal response to the unions’ demands. However, they have expressed concerns about the financial implications of the proposed salary increase and have called for a “responsible and sustainable” outcome to the negotiations.
Economic Context:
The negotiations take place against the backdrop of rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Consumer price inflation in Germany reached 8.6% in 2022, the highest level in decades. This has eroded the purchasing power of public sector employees and prompted them to demand higher wages.
Potential Impact:
If the unions and employers fail to reach an agreement, there is a risk of industrial action, such as strikes and protests. This could disrupt public services and cause inconvenience to citizens.
Next Steps:
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 28, 2025. The parties are expected to continue discussing their respective demands and explore possible compromises. A final agreement is expected to be reached before the end of March 2025.
Auftakt zu den Tarifverhandlungen 2025 für den öffentlichen Dienst von Bund und Kommunen
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