Daniela Gröbel-Becker
The current collective agreements for the security industry in Hesse will expire at the end of 2025. This means that new negotiations for 2026 between ver.di and the BDSW will begin in November 2025. Safety Line will also be affected by the upcoming changes. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the topic.
What are the collective wage negotiations in the security industry between ver.di Hessen and the BDSW about?
The trade union ver.di Hessen has terminated the existing collective agreements for the guarding and security industry as of December 31, 2025. This paves the way for new negotiations, which are expected to begin on November 6, 2025. These talks will cover all areas of security services in which Safety Line Security & Service GmbH is also active: from plant and property protection, reception and access control duties, to qualified roles requiring proof of expertise (§ 34a GewO). The negotiations will address topics related to both employee compensation and working conditions in the security sector.
For Safety Line, as a security and personnel service provider operating in Frankfurt am Main, the Rhine-Main area, the Rhine-Neckar region, and from Aschaffenburg to Koblenz, these regular negotiations are an important tool. The nationwide binding agreements enable us to plan ahead, ensure cost transparency for our clients, and at the same time guarantee fair conditions and security for our employees.
What conditions apply to the security industry in Hesse under the 2025 collective agreement?
Currently, the wage agreement concluded on November 8, 2024, between ver.di Hessen and the Federal Association of the Security Industry (BDSW), Hesse regional group, is in effect.
This standardized collective agreement for all wage groups:
- came into force on January 1, 2025,
- includes a wage increase of approximately 5.04% across all wage groups,
- and sets binding minimum wages (e.g., €14.60 for property protection, €16.66 for roles requiring proof of expertise).
In addition, apprentices receive an extra €80 gross per year of training. The Hessian Ministry of Labor confirmed the general applicability of the agreement in July of this year. This means that even non-union security companies in Hesse (around 25,000 employees) are required to pay these minimum wages retroactively from January 1, 2025.
Why are regular collective bargaining negotiations so important for security service providers and employees?
The guarding and security industry is one of the most labor-intensive sectors in Germany. There are around 260,000 employees nationwide, with several thousand based in Hesse. Labor costs account for up to 80% of the total expenses for security providers like Safety Line, which means that any changes to wage agreements have a direct impact on the pricing of security services.However, despite the additional costs, these negotiations also bring clear benefits: regularly increasing wages make the industry more attractive to workers and actively help counteract the shortage of skilled labor and personnel.
What impact does this decision have on Safety Line as a security service provider and on our clients?
For clients in the security industry, the termination of the current collective agreement means that wage and pricing structures are likely to change starting in 2026. For Safety Line Security & Service GmbH and our clients, these regular adjustments offer several advantages:
- Planning reliability: Thanks to the general applicability of the agreement, our employees are guaranteed fair, collectively agreed wages. This increases satisfaction and loyalty—an essential foundation for reliable security services provided by Safety Line.
- Cost transparency: The newly applicable wage adjustments are firmly integrated into our annual budget planning. Safety Line clients are proactively informed about potential additional costs, allowing them to maintain stable planning. With this level of predictability, clients can assess early on how the new wage agreements might affect their contracts and budgets, and adjust their security planning accordingly.
- Competitiveness and quality: A stable collective bargaining policy protects against wage dumping. For Safety Line, this means fair working conditions, motivated employees, and high-quality security services for our clients. The regulation also ensures balanced and transparent competition and consistent wage development across Hesse.
When will the new collective agreements in Hesse take effect?
The termination of the current collective agreement will take effect on December 31, 2025. Until then, the existing regulations will remain unchanged. The new agreements are expected to come into force on January 1, 2026, depending on the outcome of the negotiations in November 2025.
What significance do these collective bargaining negotiations have for the industry in 2026?
With the expiration of the current collective agreements, the security industry is facing a crucial turning point. Recent years have shown that collective bargaining strengthens quality, reliability, and professionalism. For clients, this brings clear advantages: transparent wage structures create clarity in pricing, binding minimum wages promote fair competition, and satisfied employees ensure stable security services.
The negotiations in November 2025 will be decisive in shaping wage costs and market conditions from 2026 onward. Those who plan ahead can actively incorporate these changes into their tendering and contract strategies.