German sectoral unions unite to challenge labour giants in historic pushback
Eleven German sectoral unions have united to challenge the influence of larger labour organisations in their industries. In a joint statement called the Frankfurt Declaration, they demanded stronger protections for specialised workers and a review of the country’s Collective Bargaining Unity Act. The move comes as rival union ver.di expands its reach into aviation, securing deals at Lufthansa’s subsidiaries.
The declaration, signed on 11 July 2023, was backed by groups including the Cockpit Association (VC) and the Independent Flight Attendants’ Organization (Ufo). These unions accused larger rivals of encroaching on their sectors, undermining the rights of specialised professionals. They argued that the current Collective Bargaining Unity Act unfairly weakens smaller, industry-specific unions.
The Frankfurt Declaration marks a coordinated pushback against the growing dominance of large unions in Germany. Sectoral groups want the Collective Bargaining Unity Act reassessed to protect their roles in shaping industry-specific agreements. The outcome could reshape how bargaining rights are distributed across German labour sectors.
