Historically, unions have achieved many things from which we all benefit today, such as continued payment of wages in case of illness, maternity protection, and regulations for short-time work.
Recently, one of the biggest successes of unions was the introduction of a nationwide minimum wage in Germany for companies without a collective agreement. This wage is regularly adjusted—with unions playing a role in the increases.
In autumn 2019, IG BAU negotiated a higher vacation entitlement for cleaning staff, applicable throughout Germany. Colleagues now have 30 days of paid vacation per year.
In 2020, NGG negotiated a collective agreement for employees in the system catering industry, which provides for wage increases of almost 28% over four years.
In June 2022, with the support of ver.di, the first works council in an Amazon distribution center in Europe was established.