A negotiation result was reached last night for the new collective agreement Metalektro. VHP2, together with the other unions, negotiated intensively with employers' association FME. VHP2 has mixed feelings about the final result.
Agreements were reached on wage increases up to the CAO income limit, otherwise little ambition was shown on other substantive themes. Nevertheless, the result does contain some positive points for our supporters.
On a positive note, the parties agreed to further develop the study on merging the Basic CBA and HP CBA. In this, we see opportunities to better align the CBAs in the interests of our members. VHP2 remains committed to one strong CBA without income limit for all employees in the Metalektro.
The FME's proposal to allow employers to lower the income limit has been taken off the negotiating table. VHP2 has been highly critical of this proposal and instead wants to focus on a wage increase for all workers in the Metalektro.
Download the full text of the result
Below is a summary of the main agreements:
Strategic Agenda
- Agreements from Strategic Agenda Metalektro 2022-2027 confirmed.
- Action agenda to raise awareness of the sector and improve its image.
- Plan of action for improving industrial relations at local level.
Duration
- Basic collective agreement and HP collective agreement: 19 months (1 June 2024 - 31 December 2025)
- CLA A+O: 12 months (1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025)
- CBA RVU: unchanged until 31 December 2025
Pay rises
- 2.75% as at 1 June 2024
- 3.25% as at 1 January 2025
- 3% as at 1 June 2025
- The income limit will be indexed to wage increases
Phase-out of temporary employer pension contribution
- €60 per month (June - August 2024)
- €50 per month (September - December 2024)
- Expires on 1 January 2025
Trade union facilities
- Greening and energy transition added to enterprise-level agenda
- Continuation of collective bargaining training day
- Possibility of accommodating trade union contribution in Working Expenses Scheme in 2025
Labour market and development
- Lifelong development approach, including skill passports and Technohubs
- Campaign to access and retain women in the sector
Sustainable employability
- Continuation of carer pilot and joint campaign
Given the focus on wage growth below the income threshold and low ambition on other themes, we put this result with a neutral voting recommendation to our members.