Analysis shows collective bargaining bonus

Workers in Europe who benefit from collective bargaining enjoy up to two weeks extra paid holiday per year, according to European trade union confederation the ETUC.

Its analysis has found that German and Croatian workers whose conditions are set through negotiations by unions and employers receive 10 more days holiday on top of the legal minimum – while workers with collectively negotiated contracts benefit from an additional week off in seven European countries, including the UK.

Across Europe, the holiday bonus is three days, with those covered by agreements receiving 24.5 days, compared to 21.5 days for all workers.

ETUC deputy general secretary Esther Lynch said: “Millions of workers were able to spend more time with their families this summer thanks to collective agreements which consistently deliver more paid holiday as well as fairer wages and job security.

“But too many workers have had to cut their summer break short because they are still excluded from the benefits of collective bargaining as a result of austerity policies and union-busting tactics.”

https://www.etuc.org/en/pressrelease/workers-get-longer-holidays-collective-bargaining