Enhanced brewery salaries on the rise

In a landmark decision, a new collective bargaining agreement has been reached between breweries in Saxony and Thuringia and the Nahrung, Genuss, Gaststätten (NGG) union. The agreement, which was the result of lengthy and difficult negotiations, provides for a significant wage increase for employees.

Thomas Glaser, the lead negotiator for employers, stated that the new collective bargaining agreement has reached the limit of what is feasible for bound breweries. He emphasized that the right to strike is a precious right protected by the Basic Law, but strikes should never be an end in themselves, but rather the last resort to enforce interests.

According to Glaser, unions must responsibly address the issue of wage differences and find solutions with affected companies through negotiations, not at the factory gate. He suggested that collective bargaining agreements should not become obsolete or a competitive disadvantage for the affected companies.

The agreement, reached on Friday afternoon, provides for a wage increase of over 5% for employees for the next two years. However, Glaser mentioned that the wage differences between bound breweries and non-bound companies will increase with the new agreement.

Thomas Glaser, in his statement, reiterated that negotiations, not strikes, are the way to achieve solutions to the issues at hand. He stressed that the union and the breweries have reached an agreement that is fair and sustainable for both parties.

The details of the agreement have not been disclosed beyond the wage increase. The breweries and the NGG union are committed to working together to ensure a smooth implementation of the new collective bargaining agreement. This development is expected to positively impact the morale and productivity of employees in the brewing industry in Saxony and Thuringia.