The approximately 8,500 employees of the paper and cardboard processing industry will receive a collective wage or salary increase of 2.65 percent retroactively from March 1. The increase should be at least 90 euros and a maximum of 145 euros per month, according to the association of industrial manufacturers of products made from paper and cardboard (PROPAK). According to the Union of Private Employees (GPA), minimum wages and salaries will increase by an average of 2.94 percent.

"Just About Acceptable"

"With the conclusion after six rounds of negotiations, it was possible to find a compromise in this difficult environment that partially reflects the current challenging economic situation and is just about acceptable for both contracting parties," said PROPAK chairman Marko Bill Schuster on Tuesday in a statement.

According to GPA information, the experience allowance as well as the night shift and dirt allowance will be increased by 3.6 percent, and the home workers and apprentice incomes by 3.8 percent. The union considers the agreement now reached as a tough compromise in economically challenging times. "It is all the more important that an increase above the inflation rate could be achieved, especially for the lower income groups," said Bernhard Hirnschrodt, negotiator of the GPA union, in a statement.

(APA/Red)

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