Germany - Union recommends agreement in federal and local government - February 27, 2010

On 27 February, a clear majority of the collective bargaining committee of the ver.di services union has voted in favour of recommending the result reached after arbitration in federal and local government to the 120,000 union members involved. Union president Frank Bsirske said not to be shouting for joy with the result, but pointed out that the real income of the civil servants was safeguarded. A total pay raise of 3.5% is envisaged, with 1.2% increase backdated as of 1 January 2010, 0.6% as of 1 January 2011, also as of that date a lump sum payment of Euro 240, and a 0.5% increase as of 1 January 2011. The union emphasizes that these increases imply an impulse for purchasing power (See also this Collective Bargaining Newsletter Year 2 December 2009).