In the fifth round of negotiations, the NGG trade union and the Association of German Industrial Bakers agreed on a total wage increase of 5.6 % in two stages and a one-off payment of EUR 600 for Northwestern bread industry employees from May to August 2025. The agreement, preceded by lengthy negotiations, will run for 24 months. Overall, employees went on strike for almost 500 hours in three waves to make their demands clear.

“We are satisfied with the agreement,” says chief negotiator Mohamed Boudih. The union representative points out that although inflation has fallen again, the real cost of living remains high due to persistently high food prices.

Trainee allowances will also increase in line with the pay rises. In addition, they will receive a one-off payment of EUR 300 for the months of May to August 2025. All trainees who complete their training in the northwestern German bread industry in 2026 and 2027 will be employed, as the agreement also includes a hiring guarantee.

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