Around 550 employees of the Deutsche Bank service company Keba in Schkeuditz in northern Saxony can look forward to noticeable pay rises. Their wages are to rise in three stages by a total of 15 to 16.5 percent - spread over 26 months, according to the trade union Verdi. In addition, the current special payment of 750 euros is to be gradually increased to a full 13th monthly salary.
Aim: to close the pay gap between East and West Germany
In the third round of negotiations, which took place on Thursday at Deutsche Bank headquarters in Frankfurt, further improvements were achieved in addition to the pay rises. These include a company pension scheme, an entitlement to training leave and an optimized regulation for part-time employment. The aim of the negotiations was to close the existing pay gap between East and West Germany.
The agreement was preceded by two waves of strikes in January and February. According to Verdi, these were decisive in reducing the pay gap between Keba employees and comparable employees at Deutsche Bank's western German subsidiaries. Previously, employees in Schkeuditz earned around 20 percent less than their colleagues at other Group locations. According to Verdi, Deutsche Bank deliberately chose the Schkeuditz site in the early 2000s in order to benefit from lower wages. In future, the average salary level at Keba is to be around 3,000 euros.
Members' approval still required
Before the collective agreement comes into force, Verdi members still have to approve the result. "We are really pleased with this negotiation result," said Verdi negotiator Jan Duscheck. He expects a high level of approval. Verdi had entered the negotiations with the demand for a pay rise of 18 percent - but at least 500 euros more per month. Members now have until March 14 to vote on the result.
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