Conclusion of the new salary collective agreement between ADEXA and ADA
In July 2024, the pharmacists' union ADEXA and the employers' association of German pharmacies (ADA) concluded a new salary collective agreement. This step marks a significant progress for the approximately 65,000 pharmacy employees in Germany who will benefit from the new regulations. The negotiations were described as challenging by both sides, but ultimately successful.
Background and demands
ADEXA terminated the previous collective agreement on December 31, 2023, and demanded a salary increase of 10.5 percent to meet the increased cost of living and inflation. In 2022, the inflation rate was 7.9 percent and a rate of 6.0 percent was forecasted for 2023, leading to significant real wage losses for pharmacy employees.[5][9]
New salary structures
Starting on July 1, 2024, the new collective agreement will come into effect, applying to all professional groups and chamber districts (except North Rhine and Saxony). Here are some of the key points of the new contract:
- Salary increases: The salaries of pharmacy employees will be raised differently depending on years of professional experience and qualifications. For example, employees in the first and second year of employment will now receive 2,306 euros, while those in the tenth to thirteenth year will receive 2,523 euros.For experienced employees with over 14 years of professional experience, the salary will increase to 2,687 euros. [6]
Training allowances: The allowances for trainees have also been increased. PKA trainees in the first year of training now receive 850 euros instead of the previous 793 euros. In the second and third year of training, the allowances increase to 900 euros and 950 euros, respectively. [6] [7]
Working hours and holidays: From August 2024, the weekly working hours will be reduced from 40 to 39 hours. The holiday entitlement will be increased from 34 to 35 days per year, with an additional day off for employees with more than four years of seniority. [6]
Further agreements
In addition to the immediate changes starting in July 2024, a further salary increase of 3 percent has been agreed for January 2026. These regulations are intended to make the pharmacy sector more attractive to professionals and counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. [6] [9]
Reactions and assessments
The reactions to the new collective agreement are mostly positive. Tanja Kratt, federal board member and head of the ADEXA collective bargaining committee, emphasized the need for salary increases in the face of high inflation and the increase in the statutory minimum wage. She pointed out that the new regulations are fair for all professional groups and particularly emphasized the importance of further education and training. [5] [9]
ADA stated that investments in staff are essential to secure the future of pharmacies.Andreas May from the ADEXA executive board added that the salary increases are an important signal to the industry to remain attractive to qualified professionals.
