
Services union ver.di is celebrating the best negotiating result in many years for federal and municipal workers who will see pay rise by 7.5% in a new 30-month agreement. There will be increases of 3.19% on 1 March 2018, 3.09% on 1 April 2019 and 1.06% on 1 March 2020. The increases will be implemented through a fundamental revision of the pay structure, including particular changes to lower pay levels. The aim was to ensure faster pay developments in early stages of a career to make the sector more attractive and also to close the gap where there are big differences with the private sector. There will also be a EUR 250 lump sum payment for employees in the bottom six pay groups and for social and childcare workers in S2-S4 pay groups. Apprentices will get an extra EURO 50 in March 2018, with holidays rising to 30 a year. The agreement includes many other provisions such as the continuation of part-time rules for older workers and increase in night shift allowance in hospitals.