By April 2001, sectoral agreements had been reached in the private sector for construction and light engineering. After threats of a ban on strikes and after various smaller companies acceded to the unions' demands, a new collective agreement was concluded at the start of April. The periods over which no increases are paid will be extended. The unions are especially pleased with the provisions concerning working time. Employers can now oblige employees to work only an extra 10 hours above normal working time over a four-week period.
Employers concur with the agreement, even though they consider the wage increase somewhat high.
The federation later withdrew this assertion, thus implicitly departing from the centrally agreed wage demand itself. Nonetheless, agreement was reached at the end of March. Employers are especially enthusiastic about the introduction of flexible elements in the collective agreement. A pilot project will commence regarding flexible working time, and extra days off can be converted into early retirement. A further agreement was reached on 5 April for operational, technical and administrative staff in the construction sector.