Hamburg, August 14, 2026 – Employees of Pflegen & Wohnen, the largest stationary care provider in Hamburg, will receive significant wage increases as a result of a new collective agreement between the ver.di trade union and the company. The agreement, hailed by ver.di as a “nationally outstanding collective agreement in stationary long-term care,” was finalized after extensive negotiations.
Substantial Wage Increases for Care Workers
Under the new terms, tariff employees at Pflegen & Wohnen will see their wages increase by 3.9 percent starting in January 2027. A further increase of 2.1 percent will follow in January 2028. Apprentices will also benefit, with their remuneration increasing by 60 Euros at each of these dates.
These raises are a direct outcome of the collective bargaining process, which aimed to improve the financial conditions for care workers in the region. The agreement underscores the growing recognition of the vital role played by those in long-term care.
Additional Benefits and Allowances
Beyond the general wage increases, the agreement introduces several other benefits for employees. A new allowance has been established for particularly demanding areas of care, such as the care of individuals with dementia, those in a vegetative state, or those suffering from Korsakow syndrome. This provision acknowledges the specific challenges and increased workload associated with these specialized care needs.
Furthermore, ver.di members will receive an additional day off per year starting in 2028. This benefit is exclusive to union members, highlighting the advantages of organized labor representation within the company.
Pflegen & Wohnen: A Key Player in Hamburg’s Care Sector
Pflegen & Wohnen operates 14 facilities across Hamburg and employs over 2,000 individuals, making it a critical component of the city’s care infrastructure. The company’s agreement with ver.di is expected to set a new benchmark for working conditions and remuneration in the long-term care sector, potentially influencing other care providers in the region.
The successful conclusion of these negotiations comes at a time when the demand for qualified care personnel is steadily increasing, and the working conditions in the care sector are under public scrutiny. The new agreement is anticipated to contribute to improved employee satisfaction and retention within Pflegen & Wohnen.
Broader Implications for the Care Industry
The agreement is considered a significant development for the care industry, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about fair wages and better working conditions for care professionals. Ver.di’s statement emphasizes the agreement’s pioneering nature, suggesting it could serve as a model for future collective bargaining efforts nationwide.
The focus on allowances for challenging care areas also reflects a deeper understanding of the diverse and often strenuous demands placed upon care workers. By recognizing and compensating for these specific challenges, the agreement aims to enhance the overall quality of care provided.
This collective agreement is expected to positively impact the lives of thousands of care workers in Hamburg, providing them with greater financial security and better working conditions. It also sends a strong signal regarding the importance of collective action in advocating for employee rights in essential service sectors.
The details of the agreement were made public following the conclusion of the negotiations, with both parties expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The implementation of the new wage structure and benefits will commence as scheduled in 2027 and 2028.
Source: NDR.de
