Union advocate IGBCE insists on a 6% wage increase alongside bonuses for unionized workers.
Firing Up Wages: IGBCE Pushes for 6 Percent Hike for Fine Ceramics Workers
It's all about that dough! The Industrial Union IGBCE is pushing hard for a 6 percent wage increase for their 18,000-plus employees across Germany, who contribute to the production of everything from ceramic sinks to artificial hip joints and high-quality tableware.
Before today's (June 24) meeting of the wage commission in Espenau, Hesse, the union conducted a digital survey alongside talks at the companies, with roughly 550 fine ceramics employees participating. Moritz Hautmann, IGBCE negotiator, emphasizes, "Our findings unanimously show that employees are clamoring for a bonus exclusive to IGBCE members. We anticipate employers to shoulder this responsibility and deliver."
The 6 percent bump in wages was decided upon cautiously by the wage commission: Hautmann explains, "This moderate demand takes into account the industry's mixed economic scene, with technical ceramics flourishing while others, such as porcelain, struggle." Despite the ups and downs, Hautmann highlights, "Several companies are doing exceptionally well, and the industry's outlook remains positive, thanks to promising signals from politics." For instance, the government's construction boost should ensure an ongoing demand for new bathrooms and tiles.
Mark your calendars! The first negotiation with the employer side is set for October 1.
The industry's scope runs the gamut, from global technology titans to smaller craft-oriented operations. Employees work in sectors like porcelain, sanitary ceramics, and technical ceramics, which are vital in sectors like medical technology, automotive, and renewable energy. Key regional hubs include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and the Saarland.
Key players in the fine ceramics industry include the ceramics manufacturer Villeroy & Boch, CeramTec (a pioneer in technical ceramics), the porcelain producer BHS Tabletop, ceramic capacitor manufacturer Vishay, porcelain factory Christian Seltmann, and sanitary ceramics producers Duravit and Geberit.
For inquiries, reach out to Isabel Niesmann at [email protected] or +49 171 33 89 767.
Behind the Scenes at the Fine Ceramics Wage Negotiations
- OverviewRecently, the IGBCE and employers in the fine ceramics industry wrangled over wages, benefits, and working conditions for around 20,000 employees. The talks lasted over two months and covered aspects like salaries, bonuses, working hours, training, and job security.
- Key Agreement Points
- 6% wage increase over 12 months.
- A one-time 600 euro COVID-19 recovery bonus.
- Ensuring a 35-hour workweek without reduced wages.
- Boosting remote work and flexible scheduling opportunities.
- Increased investments in employee training.
- Efforts to diminish temporary contracts and promote permanent employment.
- Economic Factors
- The fine ceramics industry is experiencing steady growth, particularly relating to green tech, e.g., electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- Soaring costs due to supply chain disruptions, raw materials, and inflation have affected manufacturers.
- Workers are seeking higher wages to maintain purchasing power due to inflation pressures.
- Despite challenges, many fine ceramics producers are seeing improved profitability, supporting wage hikes.
- Energy prices, a significant cost factor, have surged, impacting companies' negotiation stances.
- Key Players
- CeramTec GmbH: a global leader in advanced ceramics for medical and industrial applications.
- 3M (Ceramics Division): active in fine ceramics for the electronics and automotive markets.
- Kyocera Fineceramics Solutions GmbH: a leading manufacturer of fine ceramics components.
- Morgan Advanced Materials: a significant European player in engineered ceramics.
- Saint-Gobain Sekurit & High-Performance Ceramics: produces specialty ceramics for automotive and industrial use.
- Impact on Employees and Industry
- Workers receive better wage and benefit terms, job security, and opportunities for growth.
- Employers must balance increased labor costs with competitiveness through investments.
- The agreement supports the fine ceramics industry's sustainability and innovation capacity.
The negotiations between the Industrial Union IGBCE and employers in the fine ceramics industry have resulted in a significant agreement, with employees set to receive a 6% wage increase over 12 months, a one-time 600 euro COVID-19 recovery bonus, and efforts to diminish temporary contracts and promote permanent employment. The industry, which includes global tech titans and smaller craft-oriented operations, is experiencing steady growth in sectors such as renewable energy and medical technology, while contending with rising costs due to supply chain disruptions, raw materials, and inflation. Key players in the fine ceramics industry, like CeramTec GmbH, 3M (Ceramics Division), Kyocera Fineceramics Solutions GmbH, Morgan Advanced Materials, and Saint-Gobain Sekurit & High-Performance Ceramics, were involved in the talks. This agreement not only benefits workers but also supports the industry's sustainability and innovation capacity, as employers must balance increased labor costs with competitiveness through investments.
