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 there are over 60 employees working in the floristry industry, with the majority of these jobs being carried out by women. These florists are not only responsible for making bouquets, wreaths and arrangements, but also decorate shop windows and sales rooms and contribute to the design of hotel foyers. They often work a strenuous six-day week with little vacation, which creates increasing pressure in the industry.

The florists' union IG BAU Nordhessen is committed to better working conditions. According to them, a five-day week and a right to 32 days of annual leave for florists should be introduced. Klaus Michalak, the district chairman of IG BAU North Hesse, describes the job as a “power-out job”. In order to improve working conditions, the union is planning negotiations with the German Florist Association (FDF) about a new collective agreement. There are also calls for overtime pay to reduce the financial pressure on employees.

Planned collective bargaining with the FDF

IG BAU Nordhessen plays a central role when it comes to representing the interests of florists. Some progress has already been made in the last negotiations. The wages will increase in two steps: retroactively to July 1, 2024 and again to July 1, 2025. Especially for wage groups A3, there is an increase of 5% in the first step and 4.75% in the second step. Likewise, for groups A4 and A5, a 6% increase will be implemented in the first phase and a 4.75% increase in the second phase.

Increases of 2.5% each are planned for the lower salary groups A1 and A2. The trainees will also be positively affected by the collective bargaining, with a staggered regulation of 900 euros in the first year of training up to 1,100 euros in the third year. These innovations deepen the union's commitment and are part of a comprehensive plan that will last until June 30, 2026.

The role of florists in life events

Florists are not only valued for their craft 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 purchasing goods and calculating prices. However, the industry faces challenges compounded by long working hours and inadequate vacation time.

With the upcoming negotiations and the goal of improving working conditions, IG BAU Nordhessen hopes to bring about a turnaround in the floristry industry. The actors are faced with the task of recognizing the value of the florists' work and giving them the appreciation they deserve. As the industry continues to fight for change, it remains to be seen what concrete improvements the negotiations with the FDF will actually bring.

For more information on current developments in the floristry industry, see seknews.de and igbau.de.