Challenging agreement for graphic paper producers
(UPM, Augsburg, 2 December 2024 at 9:00 CET) – After three intensive rounds of negotiations, the IGBCE union and the paper employers have reached an agreement on 30 November 2024.
The new collective agreement includes the increase of wages by 2.5 per cent from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, a further 2.0 per cent increase from 1 January 2026 to 30 September 2026 and from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026 again an increase by 1.4 per cent. In addition, full-time employees will receive a one-off payment of 100 Euro for the year 2024. Part-time employees will receive the one-off payment on a pro-rata basis. If economic or structural problems arise during the term of the collective agreement, deviations from the collective agreement can be decided.
The new contract is valid from 1 October 2024 until 31 December 2026. All results of the agreement can be found here.
Gunnar Eberhard, EVP UPM Communication Papers, comments on the results:
“We have taken note of the agreement result and must analyse its impacts to our business since it represents a massive challenge for graphic paper producers in regard to the cost competitiveness. The last 15 years have clearly shown that mature graphic paper markets require continuous and relentless efforts to ensure competitive operations. We need to work with great determination to remain competitive in this environment also in the future. When it comes to benefits favouring union members over non-members it goes without saying that equal treatment of our employees is a value on which we do not compromise.”
For further information please contact:
UPM Communication Papers, Communications, tel. +49 821 3109 225, paperinfo@upm.com
UPM Communication Papers
As a leading company in the paper industry, we drive the value of paper as a sustainable medium of trust, impact, learning and inspiration. UPM Communication Papers offers the industry’s widest portfolio for newspaper, magazine, marketing and book printing as well as for home and office applications. Our high performing papers and service concepts add value to our customers' businesses, while actively fulfilling demanding environmental and social responsibility criteria. With headquarters in Germany, UPM Communication Papers employs approximately 6,000 people and has 10 modern paper mills globally. More about us and our products at www.upmpaper.com
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