German printing industry wage talks end without agreement

The third round of collective bargaining negotiations for approximately 95,000 employees in the German printing industry concluded in Hamburg on September 7 without an agreement. The talks involved the Federal Association of Print and Media (BVDM) and the trade union ver.di.

Ver.di is seeking a 7 percent wage increase over a 12-month period, citing the need for income growth to counter high prices and rising inflation. The union maintains that workers face a loss in real wages.

On the employer side, BVDM negotiator Dr. Klemens Berktold stated that the association presented various solutions and expressed a willingness to compromise. He noted that the industry is under significant pressure due to high costs, increasing competition, and rapidly changing market requirements and business models. Berktold urged the union to move away from its maximum demands, which he described as unaffordable for businesses.

The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Frankfurt am Main on October 1, 2026.