Union deal: increased wages and membership incentives for rubber workforce
Rubber Industry Wage Boost: IGBCE Members Score Progressive 4.3% Wage Hike and Extra Perks
In a triumphant turn of events (June 27), IGBCE and the rubber industry bosses hammered out a deal during round three of their negotiations in Hannover. This deal includes a generous 4.3% wage hike for the industry's 70,000 employees, plus jaw-dropping perks for IGBCE members.
"We've pulled off a bloody excellent wage agreement through some tough, yet constructive negotiations," declared IGBCE chief negotiator Katharina Stihler. "Our IGBCE family in the rubber industry will see significant and lasting benefits from this hard-earned agreement."
It's a well-deserved financial pat on the back, Stihler continued, adding, "These folks make our wage negotiations possible."
IGBCE members can expect more than just a pay raise. They'll also receive a one-time bonus of 450 euros this year and a permanent annual bonus of 428 euros from 2026. Members in the base wage group will find the permanent bonus amounts to their annual union fee, and most production members will rake in even more than they fork over in fees. Stihler urged, "If you aren't a member, this is another reason to join up with IGBCE."
Here's the lowdown on the deal's highlights:
Generous Pocket Fattening:
Wages will escalate 4.3% in two stages: a 2.1% bump as of January 1, 2026, followed by an additional 2.2% increase by December 1, 2026. Training remuneration will skyrocket, too, jumping 40 euros each as of January 1 and December 1, 2026.
Extra Coin for IGBCE Troops:
All IGBCE members will receive a whopping one-time bonus of 450 euros by the end of the year. Trainees and part-time employees will also score the full amount. The deadline for IGBCE membership is September 1, 2025, and the bonus will be paid out with the November settlement.
From 2026, all IGBCE members will receive a permanent annual bonus of 428 euros. This amount coincides with one percent of the annual gross salary in the base wage group E8B in Hesse, based on twelve monthly salaries, and thus the annual union fee.
Sexier Shift Work:
Both sides have agreed to hold talks within the next two years on how to make shift work more appealing. These discussions will kick off in the third quarter of this year.
The collective agreement will stretch for 24 months until May 31, 2027.
Half of the employees in the rubber industry work in the automotive or automotive supply industry. Other firms in the field churn out goods like window seals or conveyor belts. Key hubs include Hanau, Hannover, Riesa, Breuberg, Hann. Münden, and Hamburg. Notable companies under this umbrella include tire manufacturers such as Pirelli and Goodyear, as well as rubber and plastic products manufacturer Contitech.
For inquiries: Isabel Niesmann, [email protected], +49 171 33 89 767
In light of the triumphant 4.3% wage hike and additional perks, the rubber industry finance sector is poised for significant growth with IGBCE's negotiated agreement. The general business environment, including automotive and automotive supply companies, will experience a positive ripple effect from this wage boost, attesting to the far-reaching impact of this industry-defining deal.
