Lower wage increase

The two “catches” in the metalworkers’ collective wage increases

Wages and salaries for employees in the metal industry are rising sharply - but with two caveats.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com/KerkezPhotography.com)

The wage increases for metalworkers have now been determined: as reported, the increase of 4.8 percent from November 1 is generous at first glance. But the devil is in the detail. We shed light on why not all of the almost 200,000 employees in the metal industry will benefit equally.

At midday on Friday, representatives of the trade union and employers signed an agreement to increase wages and salaries in the metal industry by 4.8 percent from November. The formula - a whole percentage point more than rolling inflation - was agreed by both sides a year ago. The "Krone" now shows how much more employees at various income levels will actually receive in gross and net terms (see chart). At first glance, the agreement is very good for employees. But there are two "catches".