Ver.di reaches landmark collective agreement benefiting German film workers

Giedre Lelyte Head of Gaming | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Oct 16, 2024

After a year of negotiations, the UNI Global Union affiliate ver.di and the actors' union BFFS have finalized a new collective agreement with the Produzenten Allianz. This agreement, concluded on October 12, 2024, in Berlin, impacts over 25,000 freelance workers in Germany's film and television production sector.

The agreement introduces reduced working hours, an industry-wide pension plan, wage increases, and initial regulations for the use of AI in film productions. Matthias von Fintel from ver.di stated that these changes set "new historical standards for the industry" and represent "the greatest progress for film workers in Germany in decades."

Significant changes include reducing maximum daily working hours to 12 and offering bonuses for overtime beyond 10 hours. Starting May 2025, additional provisions such as extra paid days off aim to promote a better work-life balance. A four-day workweek once per month is also part of this initiative.

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The deal ensures two wage increases of 2.5% each scheduled for May 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, it introduces a pension scheme with a four percent employer contribution. This scheme will be reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) for broader applicability across the industry.

Johannes Studinger from UNI Global Union highlighted this achievement as part of global efforts to improve conditions for media professionals: “This agreement is another step in the global effort to reduce excessive working hours and improve working conditions.” The deal extends until 2027 and reflects ongoing collaboration among global media unions to secure fair wages and sustainable careers.