What is described by the statistics of agreed wages and salaries?
The statistics of agreed wages and salaries offer an important insight into the system of collective agreements in Germany. They show the development of agreed wages and salaries and of particularly important elements of collective agreements such as working hours, payment by results, one-off payments, extra payments and length of holidays. The individual wage and salary grades are shown separately so that developments in the upper and lower wage and salary grades can be compared with each other and assessments can be made on the social components of the collective agreement. A comprehensive picture of the structure of the major collective agreements is provided by data on the pay grading of foremen, craftsmen and fitters under various collective agreements, on selected job titles or job descriptions, and on the wide range of occupational or other wage or salary grades. Since increases in agreed wages and salaries usually apply only to part of the year concerned, the effective date and duration of the collective agreements are also indicated.
How are the statistics of agreed wages and salaries compiled?
The results of the statistics of agreed wages and salaries are based on analyses of collective agreements concluded for industry, wholesale and retail trade, financial intermediation, transport, storage and communication, and the central, regional and local authorities. The statistics only cover collective wage and salary agreements; company agreements are not included. The related analyses rely on the major collective agreements selected for the branches of economic activity concerned. Selection is made largely in line with the statistics of earnings. The relevant collective agreements are provided by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
When are the statistics of agreed wages and salaries published?
The statistics of agreed wages and salaries are published twice a year. At present, the relevant subject-matter series covering the first half of a year are published at the end of August, while the series for the second half of the year are issued at the end of February of the following year. Subject-matter series 16, ser. 4.1 (Collectively agreed wages) und 4.2 (Collectively agreed salaries) are available for free download in the Office's Publication Service.
ow accurate are the statistics of agreed wages and salaries?
The system of collective agreements in Germany is presently undergoing change. The extent of collective agreements which apply across the whole nation has declined. Collective agreements with a more limited territorial and also field of application as well as company agreements have increased in numbers. Hence, the number of employees who are covered by the collective agreements that are the subject of the statistics of agreed wages and salaries will presumably decline. Nonetheless, the statistics of agreed wages and salaries offer an important insight into the system of collective agreements in Germany and serve as a wage development indicator.
