The tariff dispute in the cash transport industry has been dragging on for a long time. In the event of strikes, cash could have become scarce shortly before Christmas. But now the breakthrough was achieved.
Even in the final stretch of the Christmas business, the cash at the ATMs in Germany is unlikely to run out: after long negotiations, an agreement has been reached in the collective bargaining dispute in the cash transport industry. This was announced by the Federal Association of German Money and Cash Services. For the industry's approximately 10,000 employees, this means an increase of up to 8.43 percent over a period of two years. The agreement includes increases of 6.5 percent in North Rhine-Westphalia and up to 8.4 percent in the eastern German states.
In the meantime, it was feared that cash could have become scarce due to the long wage dispute shortly before Christmas. In the event of a strike, ATMs might no longer be filled.
Ver.di satisfied
Ver.di described the conclusion as justifiable. According to the statement, negotiator Sonja Austermühle said: “We showed perseverance and it was worth it.” The new contract takes effect from the beginning of 2025.
The employers' negotiator, Hans-Jörg Hisam, said: “Despite the agreement that has now been reached, we must make it very clear that the cost increases that companies will now face are significant and will inevitably lead to business consequences.” The offer was increased moderately again on Tuesday.
Previous compromise surprisingly rejected
Ver.di surprisingly restarted collective bargaining after members overturned a previously negotiated compromise in a vote. 66.9 percent of survey participants voted against the draft contract, and the Ver.di tariff commission had to acquiesce.
During the negotiating rounds there were repeated warning strikes, which led to minor disruptions in the cash supply. The companies had taken countermeasures by loading the machines with significantly more notes than usual.
