‘Future Collective Agreements' And Restructuring: A View From Germany And Beyond

'Future collective agreements' between employers and unions to protect sites and jobs in the context of restructuring are increasingly popular in Germany. This article explains how they work, what alternatives exist and raises some outstanding questions. Ius Laboris lawyers in other jurisdictions give a local perspective on the issue.

A look at the German metalworkers' union, IG Metall's collective bargaining rounds reveals that demands for forward-looking collective-bargaining agreements (Zukunftstarifverträge, 'future collective agreements') are being treated as very high priority. If a future collective agreement gains acceptance in a business operation, then this success will be touted publicly.