Germany's building cleaners face tough wage negotiations

The German building‑cleaning sector, the country's largest craft with about 700,000 employees, is preparing for a sharp wage dispute. The first bargaining round is set for 9 September 2026. IG BAU demands a flat €2‑per‑hour increase, which would raise the entry‑level hourly wage from €15 to €17 and lift the rate for glass‑ and façade cleaners (LG 6) from €18.40 to €20.40. Union board member Ulrike Laux said, “Bewusst fordern wir einen Festbetrag, damit vor allem die unteren Lohngruppen angehoben werden,” citing rising food, energy and rent costs.

The industry association BIV rejects the demand, arguing that the economy is in a weak phase and that the proposal amounts to “Symbolpolitik.” It warns that the increase would far outpace the previous two‑year agreement.

Ahead of the national “Tag der Gebäudereinigung” on 15 June, IG BAU also campaigned in the Nordoberpfalz region, urging respect and better pensions for cleaners. Wolfgang Brandmüller warned that without higher wages, workers risk “Altersarmut” and called on local politicians to ensure dignified retirement conditions.