Manteltarifverträgen

Manteltarifverträgen, often translated as framework collective agreements or master collective agreements, are a type of collective bargaining agreement in Germany. They are distinguished from standard collective bargaining agreements by their longer duration and their focus on setting general framework conditions for employment within a specific industry or sector. These agreements typically cover aspects such as working time models, vacation entitlements, severance pay regulations, and rules for employee representation, but they generally do not specify exact wage rates. Instead, they establish the principles and guidelines within which more specific wage agreements, often negotiated more frequently, can be made. The purpose of a Manteltarifvertrag is to provide long-term stability and predictability for both employers and employees by establishing a solid foundation for employment conditions, while allowing for flexibility in adapting to changing economic circumstances through more frequent, shorter-term agreements. They are negotiated between employers' associations and trade unions.