Chancellor Scholz wants to work with employers and employees to explore how the current price trend can be countered. However, the EVG fears for their collective bargaining autonomy.
After the announcement by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz of a so-called concerted action with employers and unions, the railway and transport union (EVG) warns against encroaching on collective bargaining autonomy.
“Even the invitation makes it clear that in the end restraint is expected when it comes to wage demands,” wrote EVG collective bargaining board member Kristian Loroch on Thursday on the union’s website.
In connection with the rising consumer prices, Scholz announced on Wednesday that he wanted to call together representatives of employees and employers for a “concerted action”. “Together with the social partners, we want to discuss how we deal with the current price development,” said the SPD politician. It is about a “targeted effort in an extraordinary situation”. There were initially no further details – such as the schedule. The Confederation of German Trade Unions and employers welcomed the initiative. At the same time, DGB boss Yasmin Fahimi warned that this should not mean that collective bargaining was being conducted in the chancellery.
EVG official Loroch fears an impact on upcoming wage negotiations. “The fact that the employers are already applauding underlines this impression.” From February next year, the EVG will fight for better wage agreements in around 50 companies. Other important collective bargaining rounds are also pending in the coming year – for example in the public sector.
For the employees represented by the EVG, Loroch made it clear: “In view of the dramatically increasing prices, our colleagues at Bus and Bahn expect a significant increase in the upcoming wage negotiations. We have to implement this order”. Of course, the union is also willing to talk.
However, one thing is clear: “The increased prices are not the result of wage increases. This prejudice must finally be cleared up.”
