After years of stagnation, collective bargaining negotiations in the German tourism industry have resumed. The Verdi trade union and the German Travel and Tourism Association (DRV-T) are negotiating new wage rates for employees. Verdi is demanding an increase in all salaries, including training allowances, of 19,5 percent, but at least by €550 gross. The union is citing the significant loss of real wages due to inflation since the last collective bargaining agreement in 2018. The last collective wage agreement in the industry dates back to 2018. A further round of negotiations in 2019 failed to produce a result. Most recently, the DRV collective bargaining association issued an "association recommendation" in 2023 that called for a gradual salary increase. However, this recommendation was not enshrined in a collective agreement. Verdi is now demanding a new collective agreement running until the end of 2025 that adequately takes into account the increased cost of living for employees. According to Verdi, inflation has risen by over 2018 percent since 21, resulting in a significant loss of purchasing power for employees. The DRV collective bargaining association had been aiming to begin collective bargaining with Verdi since 2022. However, according to Verdi, the union lacked an official negotiating mandate from the industry at that time because not enough employees had organized for a collective agreement. Although no large companies, with the exception of the Dertour Group, are members of the employers' association, the current negotiations could send a signal to the entire tourism industry. Many companies base their wage structures on existing collective agreements. A successful agreement could also increase the industry's attractiveness as an employer and help in the competition for skilled workers. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for April 29.