IG BAU union demands wage increases for German cleaning staff

The IG BAU labor union is demanding a significant wage increase for building cleaning professionals across several German regions, including Lippe, Celle, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, and Bavaria. The union is calling for an hourly raise of 2 euros, which would bring the hourly wage to 17 euros.

Union representatives argue that current employer offers, such as a proposed 1.8 percent increase (approximately 27 cents per hour) starting in May, are insufficient to offset inflation. They noted that many workers currently earn only about 15 euros per hour, which is barely above the statutory minimum wage of 14.60 euros set for January.

Representatives from various regional branches, including IG BAU Ostwestfalen-Lippe, Oberbayern, and Hessen-Mitte, warned that failure to reach a fair agreement could lead to labor shortages. They cautioned that workers may leave the industry for better-paying roles, potentially placing significant operational strain on the many cleaning companies across these districts.