Unyielding Negotiations: Tourism Industry Fails to Reach Agreement through Collective Bargaining
Title: ver.di United Services Trade Union Wage Dispute in Tourism Industry Persists
The ongoing stalemate in tourism industry wage negotiations
In the fourth round of discussions between the United Services Trade Union (ver.di) and the German Travel Association - Tariff Community (DRV-T), held on June 18, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, a resolution for tourism workers' wages remained elusive.
"The DRV-T has put forth a revised offer, but it fails to bridge the chasm of the 17 percent real wage drop experienced over the past six years, during which a collective agreement hasn't been reached," explained ver.di negotiator Sonja Austermühle. The latest employer offer proposes a 2.5 percent hike in the current DERTOUR salaries, a minimum boost of 100 euros gross, an extended term from July 1, 2026 with a further 2 percent raise for tour operator sector and 1 percent for travel agency sector. Moreover, it introduces a personal sales bonus of 3 percent. "The proposed increases in the subsequent phase do not meet numerous 2026 inflation forecasts. A collective agreement that perpetuates or even intensifies the current real wage loss is unacceptable to ver.di and its employees," Austermühle added.
ver.di and DRV-T are currently engaged in talks to establish a new collective agreement for the travel industry, which has been a subject of contention due to the lack of an agreement in 2018 and 2019, as well as the subsequent pandemic. ver.di is demanding a catch-up increase of all wages and apprentice remuneration by 19.5 percent, equivalent to at least 550 euros gross based on the 2018 wage table.
The negotiations are set to continue on June 25, 2025 in Berlin.
For media inquiries:
Sonja Austermühle mobile: 0151 2673 7712
Responsible for press matters (V.i.S.d.P.)
Some Background Insights:
Germany's negotiated wage growth decreased sharply in early 2025, falling to 0.90% in Q1 2025 compared to 5.80% in Q4 2024, indicating a shift towards cautious wage rises (Source: 1). The travel and tourism market in Germany remains strong in 2025 despite economic uncertainties, with consumer spending on travel predicted to grow by around 6%, and a high demand for package tours and cruises (Sources: 2, 3). The national minimum wage rose to EUR 13.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025, contributing to a general pressure on labor costs in Germany (Source: 5). Trade unions like ver.di have been pushing for wage increases in various sectors, regularly taking into account rising inflation and cost of living concerns, and occasionally advocating for percentage increases or minimum wages above statutory levels (Source: 4).
Though specific figures and outcomes related to ver.di's 2025 wage negotiation proposals in the tourism industry are not currently available, updates are typically released through union press releases or industry news sources following each negotiation round. These might become available as discussions progress. At present, the best available data concerns the broader economic context surrounding the sector.
In the ongoing negotiations for a new collective agreement in the travel industry, ver.di is advocating for a catch-up increase in wages and apprentice remuneration, amounting to a 19.5 percent boost, to counteract the real wage drop experienced over the past six years. This industrial dispute also comes amidst increasing labor costs in Germany due to the national minimum wage rise and inflation concerns. The finance sector's pressure on wage increases in various industries, such as tourism, continues to be a significant factor in these business discussions.
