Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining – trends and developments

Collective bargaining is a core activity of trade unions and EPSU’s affiliates negotiate with public service employers at every level. This can range from national public-sector wide bargaining to sector and local negotiations with public sector employers but also private and non-profit providers of public services. EPSU works with the European Trade Union Confederation to try to improve collective bargaining rights for all workers across Europe. We also act as a European information point so that EPSU affiliates are aware of trends in public service negotiations. EPSU’s collective bargaining newsletter provides regular updates on developments across Europe.

Date
Mar. 19, 2025

Fair pay agreements could strengthen collective bargaining

U.K.

A new report from the UK-based Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR ) argues that fair pay agreements (FPAs) could help improve wages, working conditions, and workforce stability in specific sectors. While the report focuses on the UK, its findings have broader relevance for countries with weak sectoral bargaining structures. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has renewed its call for sectoral collective bargaining on pay in response to the report. FPAs are sector-wide agreements that set minimum pay and working conditions through negotiations between trade unions and
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Mar. 19, 2025

Employers let negotiations collapse in public services

Germany

After weeks of negotiations and a tense third round of collective bargaining, talks for the 2.5 million federal and local public service workers in Germany have collapsed, with unions blaming employers for refusing to reach a deal. The collapse of negotiations follows growing frustration among public service workers over stagnant wages, rising inflation, and increasing workloads. Ver.di demanded a substantial wage increase, including a social component to support lower-income workers, as well as improvements in partial retirement and a more flexible working time. However, employers rejected
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Mar. 19, 2025

Central government workers strike

Finland

Central government workers in Finland have launched industrial action for the first time in nearly four decades after collective agreement negotiations collapsed. The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL) , Trade Union Pro , and the Negotiation Organisation for Public Sector Professionals (JUKO) have imposed bans on overtime, shift swaps, and the accrual of flex hours, effective from 19 March and continuing until further notice. The dispute follows the Office for the Government as Employer (VTML) halting negotiations on 7 March after offering a 6.3% pay rise—well below the
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Mar. 19, 2025

LO and YS head to mediation as wage talks collapse

Norway

Wage negotiations between Norway’s major trade union confederations , LO and YS , and the employer organisation NHO have both ended without agreement. The talks will now move to mediation with the National Mediator on 31 March. If no agreement is reached by midnight on 1 April, a large-scale strike could begin on 2 April, affecting up to 220,000 workers. While LO and YS negotiate separately, both have raised similar demands for real wage growth, fair distribution of wage increases, and higher general wage adjustments rather than company-specific increases. NHO, representing employers, insists
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Mar. 06, 2025

Ireland: A vote for strike in private health and social care

Ireland

Healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action in a ballot initiated by SIPTU . The ballot saw 96% support for industrial action on a 70% turnout, highlighting strong backing for the union’s demands. Section 39 organisations, which are privately owned charities and agencies contracted by the State employ thousands of workers who will be affected by the action. The dispute involves 21 organisations that provide essential health and social care services, including disability services, elder care, home support, mental health services, and
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Mar. 06, 2025

Austria: Wage increases and new benefits for church-owned hospitals

Austria

The collective bargaining negotiations for church-owned hospitals in Austria, led by the union Vida , concluded in the fifth round, securing a 2.9 percent increase in wages and allowances. The agreement aimed at achieving higher pay so that the purchasing power of workers is maintained. Union members approved the agreement by a clear majority. The “transport ticket” was highlighted as a particular success, providing a monthly mobility allowance for public transport. Other improvements include increased on-call pay to €46.75, enhancements to the stand-in allowance, and adjustments in
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Mar. 06, 2025

Germany: Health and care workers escalate strikes over stalled negotiations

Germany

The German public service union Ver.di has called for a nationwide warning strike in hospitals, care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and emergency services on 6 March. The action follows growing frustration over stalled negotiations in the federal and municipal public service sector, where employers failed to present an offer in the second bargaining round in mid-February. Ver.di is demanding an 8% pay rise, or at least €350 more per month, alongside higher bonuses for work during stressful and inconvenient hours. It is also calling for an increase of €200 per month for training allowances
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Mar. 06, 2025

Europe: Pact for European social dialogue signed

Europe

The European Commission and cross-industry social partners , including ETUC, have signed a new Pact for European Social Dialogue with the stated objective to strengthen social partners’ role in shaping labour market and social policies. The Pact builds on the 2024 Val Duchesse Declaration and follows the breakdown of cross-sectoral negotiations on telework and the right to disconnect, highlighting the need for renewed social dialogue. The Pact sets a framework to expand social dialogue and improve consultation at cross-sectoral and sectoral levels. Key measures include confirmation of
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Feb. 20, 2025

Norway: Personal assistants secure victory in wage dispute

Norway

Personal assistants providing support for people with disabilities (BPAs) in Norway’s NHO area have won a significant victory following a wage dispute. The strike, organised by Fagforbundet , began on 12 September 2024, with workers demanding equal pay with personal assistants employed under a Virke national agreement in the non-profit sector, and improved seniority provisions. Personal assistants play a crucial role in enabling people with disabilities to lead independent lives. However, those employed under the BPA’s NHO collective agreement were receiving lower wages than their counterparts
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Feb. 20, 2025

Bulgaria: New agreement signed at the national statistical institute

Bulgaria

A new Collective Agreement has been signed at Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute (NSI), taking effect from 1 January 2025. The agreement, signed by the NSI President, representatives of the Trade Union of Administrative Employees "Podkrepa," and directors of territorial statistical offices, aim to improve working conditions for union members. The agreements strengthen workers' involvement in workplace decisions by requiring that internal regulations be coordinated with the union. Key improvements include increased paid annual leave and union participation in drafting internal wage
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Feb. 19, 2025

Germany: Doctors in municipal hospitals secure 8% pay rise

Germany

After more than six months of negotiations, the Marburger Bund’s collective bargaining commission has approved a new agreement with the Association of Municipal Employers' Associations (VKA), officially ending the industrial dispute for doctors in municipal hospitals. Following the agreement, the union cancelled the strike that had been planned for mid-February. The deal includes an 8 percent salary increase over the contract's duration, with a 4 percent rise retroactive to July 1, 2024, followed by 2 percent increases in August 2025 and June 2026. On-call service fees, emergency service
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Feb. 06, 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina: A new agreement on wage calculation

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed an agreement with the Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees in State Administration, Judicial Authorities, and Public Institutions (SUFBIH) on the base salary and coefficient for wage calculation. The agreement follows ongoing negotiations between the government and the union, aligning with the Law on Salaries and Allowances in Government Bodies of FBiH and the Collective Agreement for Civil Servants. The union had justified its demand for a new base salary through an analysis of the rising cost of living and wage
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Feb. 06, 2025

UK: Council and school staff demand significant pay rise

U.K.

Unions representing 1.4 million council and school workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have submitted a pay claim demanding a £3,000 wage increase for all employees. UNISON , GMB , and Unite argue that a substantial rise is essential after years of declining real wages and rising living costs. Local government and school staff have seen the value of their pay fall by 25% since 2010, according to the unions, with last year’s wage settlement averaging just 2.5%. This is significantly lower than the increases awarded to teachers (5.5%) and doctors (over 6%). The unions warn that
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Feb. 06, 2025

Serbia: Unions split over health and social care deal amid protests

Serbia

A protocol aimed at improving the conditions of health and social care workers in Serbia was signed by several unions, including the Trade Union of Employees in Healthcare and Social Care of Serbia (SZZSZS) , following negotiations with the government. The agreement includes a 5% salary increase starting in October 2025, adjustments to salary coefficients for nurses and healthcare specialists, and the introduction of benefits such as meal allowances and holiday pay. It also outlines plans to align non-medical staff salaries in healthcare with those in other public services performing similar
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