The new collective agreement for the forestry machinery sector has been approved

Extra hours mandated by the competitiveness pact have been eliminated, wages to go up by 3.2%

The new collective agreement for the forestry machinery sector will be valid for the next two years between 1 February 2020 – 31 January 2022.

The 24 unpaid working hours mandated by the competitiveness pact will be gradually eliminated from the annual working time structure during the agreement period.

Wage increases in 2020

Unless otherwise locally agreed by 1 May 2020, the general increase will be 1.5%. The general increase in practical hourly wages will take effect on 1 June 2020 or at the beginning of the nearest salary period.

Wage increases in 2021

Unless otherwise locally agreed by 1 May 2021, the general increase will be 1.7%. The general increase in practical hourly wages will take effect on 1 June 2021 or at the beginning of the nearest salary period.

Reduction in annual working hours (elimination of competitiveness pact hours)

The 24 additional working hours added on the basis of the competitiveness pact will be removed from the agreement in three phases.

  • Starting from 1 February 2020, all workers will receive eight (8) hours of leave for every 22 working days, up to a maximum of 10 days of leave per calendar year.
  • On 1 January 2021, Midsummer Eve will be added to the list of paid midweek holidays, leading to a reduction in annual working times.
  • Starting from 1 January 2022, all workers will receive eight (8) hours of leave for every 20 working days, up to a maximum of 11 days of leave per calendar year.

The annual reduction in working hours may be carried out locally for work subject to the terminal protocol. This applies to shift work. If no local agreement is reached by 31 October 2020, the working time specified in the terminal protocol will apply. During the negotiations, the hourly wage used in these workplaces for sick leave salary calculations was not altered.

Self-reported sick leave to be introduced

In the future, workers may go on sick leave for three days on their own notice, unless otherwise agreed locally.

The collective agreement for the forestry machinery sector will be added to the union’s website as soon as possible.