Large pay rises for German regional government workers

Frank Bsirske

Germany’s ver.di services union has achieved a significant pay increase for regional government workers, and in particular workers in health and social care, after three rounds of negotiations.

The basic deal means increases of 3.2% from 1 January 2019 (minimum €100 a month) and 1 January 2020 (minimum €90). There will be a further increase of 1.4% (min €40) on 1 January 2021. Trainees will get two increases of €50 in 2019 and 2020 plus an extra day of paid leave.

Minimum pay rates in the 15 pay groups will also rise, which will mean new starters will get an increase of 11% in two stages. Finally, health and social care workers will move to the local authority pay scale, bringing a gross monthly pay rise of €380 for workers with three years of training.

“Who among us has ever seen a colleague with three years’ training receive €380 more per month in one go. That's spectacular!" said Frank Bsirske, ver.di chairman.

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