A labor market expert at the Institute of the German Economy, a employers’ association, has criticized the strikes by the German Trade Union Federation (Verdi) in the municipalities.
“Verdi is overdoing it with its warning strikes” said Hagen Lesch of the Institute of the German Economy to the Rhenish Post (Tuesday). “Multiple full-day strikes after the first round of negotiations are an unnecessary escalation that is being fought on the back of the citizens. Verdi is misusing the right to strike to gain members.” Lesch emphasized that, while the principle of proportionality is applicable, employers often fail to stop strikes when they try to do so. He added, “Verdi should not be surprised if there is now a debate about restricting strikes in critical infrastructure.”
Before the next round of negotiations for the federal government and municipalities on February 17, Verdi has launched warning strikes in many cities.
At the same time, Lesch has criticized Verdi’s demand for three additional free days: “Verdi’s and DBB’s demand is lavish. It is possible to agree on the money, but the demand for three additional free days, which would cost two billion euros, is the sticking point” said the Institute’s researcher. “The municipalities do not have the money to create new positions, nor is there the workforce available on the labor market. The consequence will be a workload increase for the existing staff. This is something Verdi cannot want.