German deals

NGG, the union representing Germany’s food workers, has recently signed two deals, both above inflation (2.4%, April 2011).

The settlement In the Bavarian brewing industry, where 10,000 are employed, runs for 12 months from March. It provides for a 3.0% increase in May, plus a one-off payment of €100 (€230 in Munich) in June.

In the confectionery industry, which employs 50,000 people across the country, the NGG has agreed a 5.8% increase over 25 months. There will be one month without an increase, a 3.0% increase covering the first 12 months and a further 2.8% for the next 12 months. There are also improvements in employers’ pension contributions.

Speaking after the union’s negotiators had agreed to the deal on 19 April, Claus-Harald Güster, the NGG vice-president, said it was “a good model for future settlements in the food industry.”