Skip to content

Freiburg's public workers win fairer pay under landmark union deal

After years of fragmented pay, Freiburg's social service workers finally secure equal terms. The deal marks a turning point for transparency—and employee trust.

The image shows a poster with two people standing in front of a backdrop of mountains and trees....
The image shows a poster with two people standing in front of a backdrop of mountains and trees. The text on the poster reads "What our free trade means - British Granite Worker - The Fair Wages Clause is all right, but I want work".

Freiburg's public workers win fairer pay under landmark union deal

Freiburg’s Municipal Foundations has agreed on a new pay deal with the ver.di trade union. The collective bargaining agreement, signed on May 7, 2026, will bring all employees under the same sector-wide framework. The changes aim to create fairer and more transparent working conditions across the organisation. The institution currently employs around 600 staff. Until now, roughly 500 were covered by in-house pay agreements, while 100 already followed the TVöD framework. Under the new deal, all workers will shift to TVöD by April 1, 2027.

To support this transition, the organisation plans to rejoin the Municipal Employers’ Association of Baden-Württemberg as a full member. The move is designed to prevent financial disadvantages for any employee. By aligning with sector-wide standards, the foundation also hopes to make its jobs more attractive. The Freiburg Foundation Administration plays a key role in the city’s social services. Its work spans elderly care, child and youth services, and administration. The agreement reflects an effort to standardise pay and conditions in these critical areas.

The new collective agreement will apply to all 600 employees from April 2027. It replaces previous in-house arrangements and ensures uniform pay under TVöD. The foundation’s return to the sector-wide framework is expected to improve job security and working standards.

Read also:

Latest