Ver.di landmark agreement ‘greatest progress for film workers in decades’

Picture from left to the right: Bernhard Störkmann (BFFS – actors union), Björn Böhning (Produktionsallianz – Geraman association of producers), Matthias von Fintel (ver.di – head of media and film sector)

The new collective agreement covering more than 25,000 freelance workers in Germany brings about reduced working hours, an industry-wide pension scheme, salary increases and the first regulations on the use of AI

After a year of intense negotiations, UNI Global Union affiliate ver.di and the actors’ union BFFS, concluded a new collective agreement with the Produzenten Allianz, the industry association of the German film and television production sector. Finalized on 12 October 2024 in Berlin, the new collective agreement introduces several key advancements for workers, including reduced working hours, the establishment of an industry-wide pension plan and wage increases. It also represents a crucial first step toward regulating the use of generative AI in film productions, with negotiations on this aspect still ongoing.

One of the most significant achievements is the reduction of maximum daily working hours to 12, with new bonuses for overtime beyond 10 hours and additional compensation for extended shooting periods. Starting in May 2025, new provisions, including extra paid days off and compensation for overtime, aim to help establish a more balanced work-life schedule, and the introduction of a four-day workweek once per month.

The deal also secures two wage increases of 2.5 per cent each, set for May 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, the agreement includes the introduction of a pension scheme with a four per cent employer contribution. The pension scheme will be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) for general applicability across the industry, which would result in mandatory contributions from non-signatory companies and establish a sector-wide pension scheme.

Matthias von Fintel, lead negotiator for ver.di, emphasized the significance of this deal: “Reduced working hours, more free time, wage increases, a pension plan for film productions, and initial regulations for the use of AI are setting new historical standards for the industry. This collective agreement marks the greatest progress for film workers in Germany in decades.“

UNI Global Union, representing media and entertainment workers worldwide, applauds the German unions on this important win for workers. “This agreement is another step in the global effort to reduce excessive working hours and improve working conditions for media and entertainment professionals,” said Johannes Studinger, Head of UNI Global Union’s Media, Entertainment and Arts sector. “It highlights the power of collective bargaining and reinforces our shared commitment to securing fair wages, better working conditions and social protections for freelancers.”

The agreement, which extends until 2027 is another milestone of the efforts of the global community of media and entertainment unions to bring about change to the global film and TV industry. UNI member unions continue to work together and support each other to secure safe working hours and better work-life balance, to ensure dignity and safety at work and to extend collective bargaining for fair pay and sustainable careers.