Negotiating work conditions and pay: group discussion on benefits and requirements. - Negotiating partners in the chemicals industry push back meeting date once more.
The wage partners of the German chemical and pharmaceutical sector have put off discussions following two days of meetings without making any progress. According to IG-BCE negotiator Oliver Heinrich, who spoke on Wednesday after the bargaining sessions in Wiesbaden, "What the employers' side has put on the table is still too far from being a genuine offer."
The bosses' negotiator, Matthias Büürk, remarked that the two sides are "just incredibly distant in many key topics." He also urged for further endeavors to forge a consensus: "Both sides are required to ensure progress in the negotiations."
Third round of discussions at a federal level planned for the end of this month
The third round of talks, to take place on June 26 and 27 in Bad Breisig close to Bonn, will be the last chance to secure an agreement before the expiry of the ceasefire on June 30. To draw attention to their demands, the IG BCE is planning a series of nationwide action days on June 18 and 19 prior to the third round.
The union is asking for a 7% raise for the almost 585,000 employees working in the industry. They contend this is warranted due to loss of purchasing power due to inflation and the industry's economic revival.
Moreover, the IG BCE desires to establish new regulations in a wide-ranging collective bargaining agreement which would favor union members over non-union employees. Proposed benefits for the union members could include extra leisure time, more funds, or better social and health protection, according to IG BCE.
On the union's second main demand for preference in terms of time or money, both parties are said to have gained some ground in talks. "We are genuinely considering various alternatives," informed IG-BCE negotiator Heinrich. However, a solution remains elusive.
Employers' statement on the tariff round 2024: IG BCE - IG BCE's position on the tariff round 2024 Employers 5 June 2024
