Florists in the Schwalm-Eder district: six-day week and little vacation!

Florists in the Schwalm-Eder district: six-day week and little vacation!

In the Schwalm-Eder district, over 60 employees work in the floristry industry, with the majority of these jobs being performed by women. These florists are not only responsible for binding flower bouquets, wreaths and arrangements, but also decorate shop windows and sales rooms and contribute to the design of hotel foyers. They often work in a strenuous six-day week with little vacation, which ensures increasing pressure in the industry.

The florist union IG Bau Nordhessen is committed to better working conditions. According to them, a five-day week and a claim to 32 days of annual vacation for the florists should be introduced. Klaus Michalak, the district chairman of IG Bau Northern Hesse, describes the profession as a "Auspower job". In order to improve working conditions, the union is planning negotiations with the Association of German Florists (FDF) on a new collective agreement. There are also demands for surcharges for overtime to reduce the financial pressure on the employees.

planned collective bargaining with the FDF

The IG Bau Northern Hesse plays a central role when it comes to the advocacy of florists. Some progress has already been made in the last negotiations. The fees rise in two steps: retrospectively on July 1, 2024 and again on July 1, 2025. There is an increase of 5 % in the first step and 4.75 % in the second step. Likewise, a 6 % increase in the first phase and a 4.75 % in the second phase is implemented for the groups A4 and A5.

For the lower wage groups A1 and A2, increases of 2.5 % are provided. The trainees will also be positively affected by the collective bargaining, with a staggered regulation of 900 euros in the first year of apprenticeship to 1,100 euros in the third year. These innovations deepen the commitment of the union and are part of a comprehensive plan that will be valid until June 30, 2026.

The role of the florists in life events

florists are not only valued for their manual skills, but also play an important role in significant life events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. In addition to the creative aspect, your work also includes business knowledge that is necessary for the procurement of goods and price calculation. However, the industry faces challenges that are reinforced by long working hours and inadequate vacation.

With the upcoming negotiations and the aim of improving working conditions, IG Bau North Hesse hopes to bring about a turn in the floristics industry. The actors are faced with the task of recognizing the value of the work of the florists and giving them the appreciation they deserve. While the industry is still fighting for changes, it remains to be seen which concrete improvements will actually bring negotiations with the FDF.

For more information on the current developments in the Floristik industry, see Seknews.de and igbau.de .