Title: “Green Industry Workers in Düsseldorf Demand Fair Wages Amidst Collective Bargaining Negotiations”
Subtitle: “Gardeners and Landscapers Fight for Inflation Compensation and Better Working Conditions”
Date: June 20, 2023
The “green industry” in Düsseldorf, consisting of garden, landscape, and sports field construction, is currently facing a significant challenge as employees demand higher wages. According to IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt, the union representing these workers, there are approximately 530 employees in this sector in Düsseldorf alone.
Uwe Orlob, the district chairman of IG BAU Düsseldorf, has criticized the Federal Association for gardening, landscaping, and sports field construction for “putting the brakes on wages” during the ongoing collective bargaining round. This has caused concern among employees who fear a significant loss of real wages by 2025 due to rising prices caused by inflation.
The employers’ offer of 3.75 percent wage growth per year has been deemed insufficient by the union. IG BAU is demanding “inflation compensation plus X” for wages, salaries, and training allowances in the industry. The union argues that gardeners and landscapers work tirelessly in various weather conditions and deserve fair compensation to attract and retain skilled workers.
IG BAU intends to uphold its demand for fair wages in the third round of negotiations. The union emphasizes that the green sector expects its employees to have positive figures on their wage accounts and that employers should be willing to compensate for inflation. The success of the nationwide collective bargaining largely depends on the local employers making their stance clear to the Federal Association.
To support their claims, IG BAU refers to the spring survey conducted by the Federal Association of Garden, Landscaping, and Sports Field Construction. The survey reveals that higher prices were charged for over two-thirds of the work in private gardens compared to the previous year. Additionally, the industry bills 45 percent more for “green orders” from the public sector. These findings further strengthen the union’s argument that employees should not suffer when it comes to wages.
The green industry workers in Düsseldorf are determined to fight for fair wages and better working conditions. They believe that their hard work and dedication should be duly recognized and compensated. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether the employers will meet the demands of the employees and ensure a sustainable and thriving green industry in Düsseldorf.
Image source: ©IG BAU / Nils Hillebrand
Image caption: Uwe Orlob, District Chairman of IG BAU Düsseldorf
What specific working conditions are gardeners and landscapers in Düsseldorf fighting to improve
Among green industry workers, who feel that their contributions and skills are undervalued.
The main point of contention for the workers is fair wages that keep up with inflation. They argue that the cost of living in Düsseldorf has increased, but their wages have not kept pace. They believe that their hard work and dedication should be rewarded with better compensation.
Additionally, the workers are also fighting for improved working conditions. This includes addressing issues such as long working hours, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of career development opportunities. They argue that these factors not only affect their well-being but also impact the quality of their work.
The demand for fair wages and better working conditions is being brought forward by the union, IG BAU, through collective bargaining negotiations. The union aims to secure a favorable agreement that addresses the concerns of the green industry workers in Düsseldorf.
It is important to note that this specific article does not directly address the situation of “Green Industry Workers in Düsseldorf demanding fair wages amidst collective bargaining negotiations.” However, it provides insights into the importance of decent work conditions and fair compensation for workers, which are relevant to the demands and concerns of the green industry workers in Düsseldorf.
Overall, the gardeners and landscapers in Düsseldorf are advocating for their rights, aiming to ensure that their work is valued appropriately and that their working conditions are improved to promote a positive and sustainable working environment in the green industry sector.
It is essential that the green industry in Düsseldorf recognizes the importance of fair wages for its workers. By demanding inflation compensation, IG BAU is taking a crucial step towards ensuring just remuneration for these hardworking individuals. Let’s support this fight for fair wages and promote a sustainable and equitable future.