BERLIN, May 3 (Reuters) – A nationwide strike, unprecedented since 2002, threatens in Germany’s construction sector after employers rejected a wage agreement affecting some 930,000 workers on Friday.
“Now we are striking, massively,” Robert Feiger, leader of the IG BAU construction union, said in a statement, without specifying a date.
The salary agreement validated in April by the unions provides in particular for a monthly increase of 250 euros from May 1, 2024. A new increase would be planned for April 1, 2025, of 4.15% in the west of Germany and 4.95% in the east of the country.
“It is no longer us, IG BAU, who are responsible for the strike, but the construction companies themselves,” said Robert Feiger, inviting them to explain to operators the reasons why housing construction projects, highways and industries would be delayed.
Employer representative Uwe Nostitz points to “serious shortcomings” in the proposed agreement, such as inconsistencies in the remuneration of trainees who would have received less money during their second year than their first. (Reporting by Klaus Lauer and Rachel More; Written by Miranda Murray; French version Mathias de Rozario, edited by Sophie Louet)
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