Scaffolders in the Zwickau district: 7.5% wage increase with immediate effect!

Scaffolders in the Zwickau district: 7.5% wage increase with immediate effect!

From November 2023, scaffolders in the Zwickau district can look forward to a pleasing wage increase. Wages will rise by a whopping 7.5 percent, which means a monthly increase of 225 euros for 147 affected employees. Andreas Herrmann from the BAU Südwestsachsen industrial union explains that this decision results from the harsh working conditions in the industry. “We want fair wages and recognition for the hard work that our members do,” says Herrmann.

But that's not all. In addition to the general wage increase, trainees also benefit. The start of training on the scaffolding brings a wage of 1,125 euros per month, so the new generations are also well supported. Another wage increase is already planned for autumn 2024, a sign that the industry is on the move.

Improvements in the collective agreement

Significant progress was made in the second round of collective bargaining in the scaffolding trade. The minimum wage will rise from 12.85 euros to 13.60 euros on October 1, 2023. Next year, from October 2024, a further increase to 13.95 euros is being discussed. In addition, training allowances for apprentices are also increasing:

• 1. Ausbildungsjahr: von 965 auf 1.050 Euro (+85 Euro)
• 2. Ausbildungsjahr: von 1.195 auf 1.245 Euro (+50 Euro)
• 3. Ausbildungsjahr: von 1.475 auf 1.515 Euro (+40 Euro)

These adjustments bring a breath of fresh air and show that a rethink is taking place in the industry. However, employers and IG BAU were unable to agree on a wage tariff because an offer of 300 euros in inflation compensation was rejected. Collective wage negotiations, which continued on August 31, 2023, are ongoing, with the next round of negotiations already scheduled for November 2, 2023. And it remains to be seen whether the requested general applicability of the minimum wage collective agreement will be approved.

Overall, one can say that the developments in the scaffolding industry in Zwickau are a positive sign for the employees. It is clear that more money is at the top of the agenda and the valuable work that is done every day is finally getting the recognition it deserves. When these changes come into force, the scaffolders and their trainees will benefit noticeably, and not just on a financial level.

For further details on the wage adjustments and their background, we recommend reading the reporting from Radio Zwickau and the articles in the German craft newspaper to pursue.