After years of stagnation, collective bargaining negotiations in the German tourism industry have resumed. The Verdi union and the DRV collective bargaining association (DRV-T) are negotiating new wage rates for employees. Verdi is demanding a 19,5 percent increase in all salaries, including training allowances, with a minimum gross increase of €550. The union is citing the significant real wage losses due to inflation since the last collective bargaining agreement in 2018.
The last collective wage agreement in the industry dates back to 2018. A further round of negotiations in 2019 remained inconclusive. Most recently, the DRV collective bargaining association issued an "association recommendation" in 2023, which called for a gradual salary increase. However, this recommendation was not enshrined in a collective agreement. Verdi is now demanding a new collective agreement running until the end of 2025 that adequately takes into account the increased cost of living for employees. According to Verdi, inflation has risen by over 2018 percent since 21, resulting in a significant loss of purchasing power for employees.
The DRV collective bargaining association had been seeking to begin collective bargaining with Verdi since 2022. However, according to Verdi, the union lacked an official negotiating mandate from the industry at that time because not enough employees had organized for a collective agreement. Although no large companies are members of the employers' association anymore, with the exception of the Dertour Group, the current negotiations could send a signal to the entire tourism industry. Many companies base their wage structures on existing collective agreements. A successful agreement could also increase the industry's attractiveness as an employer and help in the competition for skilled workers. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for April 29.
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