Overview

• DGB estimates about €41 billion in lost social insurance contributions and roughly €24 billion in foregone income tax each year from weaker tariff coverage, totaling an economic impact of around €123 billion, slightly below the 2023 estimate.
• Based on a special evaluation of the federal earnings survey, workers without collective agreements take home on average €2,891 less net per year, rising to €3,451 in eastern states, and universal coverage would add about €58 billion to net pay.
• Only about half of employees are currently covered by collective agreements, reflecting a long decline in tariff coverage that the union says erodes wages and working conditions.
• In August the federal cabinet advanced a draft procurement law to require tariff conditions for federal contracts above €50,000, aiming to strengthen fair competition for firms honoring collective agreements.
• Regional figures highlight the stakes: DGB Bayern estimates full coverage would add roughly €7 billion to social funds, €4.1 billion in taxes and €9.5 billion to pay, while DGB Hessen‑Thüringen cites about €2 billion in lost contributions and €1.3 billion in taxes and urges a state tariftreue law.