Germany: chemistry collective negotiations lead to a 4.5 percent wage increase and a “demographic corridor”

This year, in the race for wage increases, the chemical industry hasn’t done better than the metal industry which, a few days ago, secured a 4.3 percent increase over 13 months (see our dispatch No.  120326).  However, with a 4.5 percent wage increase over 19 months and numerous working time measures in favor of employees, the sector’s 550,000 employees should adapt to these collective provisions.  Whereas, depending on the region, the previous collective agreement will expire at the end of May or June 2012, the new agreements will come into force after one month without a raise, so in early July or early August respectively.  A clause states that, if the economic situation justifies it, businesses may postpone the raise by one month.  Here are the detailed provisions of the agreement.