Breweries are experiencing an increase in financial inflow - Breweries secure higher financial gains
In a significant development for the brewing industry in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, a collective wage agreement has been reached, according to the NGG union. However, the exact breakdown of the wage increases, including the timeline and specific amounts for each step, remains undisclosed in the current search results.
The NGG union, which represents workers in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, typically negotiates staged wage increases over defined periods for its members. These agreements, often in steps every six months or yearly, aim to gradually raise wages by agreed-upon amounts or percentages. To obtain the detailed breakdown, one would usually consult official NGG announcements or collective bargaining agreement documents relevant for 2024-2025.
The 24-month collective agreement, confirmed by the North Rhine-Westphalia Brewers' Association, will affect approximately 5,500 employees in the region's breweries. The wage increase applies to employees from the brewer to the food technologist, production helper in the keg filling, and driver. Notably, the managing director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Brewers' Association, Marc Peters, described the agreement as "a challenge."
The North Rhine-Westphalia Brewers' Association, which includes ten breweries such as Koenig, Radeberger, Diebels, Früh, and Gaffel, has confirmed the figures regarding the wage increase. Interestingly, although Warsteiner, Veltins, and Krombacher, although not members of the association, also have wage agreements with the NGG and will receive a similar increase.
The wage increase for employees will be retroactive and will be followed by an additional 60 euros in February 2026. The percentage of this increase varies depending on the salary group. In September 2026, there will be another 1.5% wage increase.
In a positive note, the NGG state chairman has stated that the wage increase is well above inflation. The union representative, Mohamed Boudih, was satisfied with the agreement. The North Rhine-Westphalia Brewers' Association has also confirmed the agreement.
It is worth mentioning that beer production in North Rhine-Westphalia has been declining for decades. This collective agreement, therefore, comes at a crucial time for the industry, as labor costs and costs for energy, glass, cases, and bottle caps have been rising.
In a related development, apprentices in North Rhine-Westphalia's breweries will receive two free days to prepare for their final exam. The exact salary increase for apprentices has not been specified in the article. The city where Krombacher is located is Düsseldorf.
This collective agreement sets the wage increase for all member breweries and their employees, providing a much-needed boost for the brewing industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. As the details of the agreement continue to unfold, it is clear that this is a significant step towards ensuring fair wages for brewery workers in the region.
- The NGG union, in their role of representing workers in various sectors, has previously implemented staged vocational training programs to equip their members with necessary skills for industries like brewing.
- In an effort to sustain and improve the financial stability of brewing business in North Rhine-Westphalia, it would be advantageous to consider the implementation of vocational training programs, similar to those managed by the NGG union, to upskill and retain valuable employees.
