This is not at all uncommon in Germany - I make more as an in-tariff mid-level IT staffer, recently transferred to a dev team from Windows ops, than many people I know here in software or IT consulting shops. I also work very stable hours. Independent consultants make more than me, but they also tend to have more experience and have to take the risks of self-employed independent consultants.

I am theoretically represented by the Metalworkers Union (IG Metall), despite never having machined any metal in my life. When I first started this job, I balked at the "restrictions" (strict 10 hr/day limit, 40 hr/wk contract, no Sunday work without permission from the main Works Council for the company), but after a few years, I cannot imagine going back to life without them. The six full weeks of vacation is pretty ace, too. Germany requires employers to give 24 days; the Metalworkers Union negotiated and maintains 30.

I should probably join them, or at least send them a nice gift basket. They've helped make my life here pretty comfy.

Is it a software company? I've never heard of such a thing as a unionized software company.