The autumn wage negotiations for the brewery sector have concluded after just three meetings, with both employers and employees agreeing to a 3.9% gross wage increase. The new collective agreement will take effect on November 1 and will be valid for one year. The unions PRO-GE and GPA expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing that it helps maintain purchasing power.

On the employer side, they highlighted that the agreement takes into account the diverse structure of the brewing industry. “The brewing industry is currently facing an unprecedented economic situation, marked by extreme price increases in energy, raw materials, and packaging,” said Karl Schwarz, head of the brewery association. He added that these challenges are compounded by reduced consumer spending and a shrinking number of gastronomy businesses. Union representatives Bianca Reiter (PRO-GE) and Bernhard Hirnschrodt (GPA) emphasized the importance of preserving purchasing power in the agreement.

Unlike previous years, the metalworkers, who usually kick off the autumn wage negotiations, are sitting out this year, having already agreed to a two-year collective agreement last year. The basis for wage negotiations is the average inflation over the past 12 months, which was 4.2% in August. The current inflation rate for September stands at 1.8%.