In the collective bargaining dispute in the public sector, the Verdi union and the civil servants’ association are demanding 10.5 percent, but at least 500 euros more wages. What sounds abstract affects 800 employees in Singen – and because their salaries are generated from taxpayers’ money, every resident too. The municipal employers reject the increase because it is not economically viable. When asked by SÜDKURIER, Stefan Mohr, personal advisor to Mayor Bernd Häusler, explains what the collective bargaining would mean for the city of Singen.
The collective bargaining currently affects around 800 employees in the city of Singen, as Stefan Mohr reports. For the city administration, the required 10.5 percent would mean additional costs of 4.2 million euros. But in Singen they are prepared, as Mohr emphasizes: the city has planned a wage increase of seven percent in the budget, which would mean spending around 2.8 million euros.
If one subtracts the already planned 2.8 million euros from the required maximum sum of 4.2 million euros, the city of Singen will have additional costs of 1.4 million euros. Provided the maximum requirement of 10.5 percent is reached. However, the city of Singen does not currently assume this, as the press office reports in writing.
The belt then needs to be tightened
But where are the uncalculated additional costs of 1.4 million euros supposed to come from? “The additional costs would have to be saved from the current budget, should the collective bargaining agreement exceed the seven percent planned by us,” the press office said on request.
Nevertheless, the city of Singen can understand the demands in principle. This is sometimes also due to the high inflation that is currently prevailing. “Especially in low-income professions, which are essential for the welfare of citizens, an adequate wage is necessary. With a view to the current problem of filling vacancies, it is important that the public service remains competitive,” the press office from the town hall said.
The employees concerned work in all service areas of the city administration, including the municipal utilities and Kultur Tagung Singen. Most recently, municipal employees received a collective wage increase on April 1, 2022.
