A swift resolution has been reached in wage negotiations for approximately 11,000 employees at German seaports, marking the close of the initial round of discussions. Verdi, the service sector trade union and employer representatives have agreed on a tariff agreement, a surprisingly rapid development.
Negotiation leader Maren Ulbrich stated that Verdi had insisted on abandoning delaying tactics, a request that the Zentralverband für die deutschen Seehäfen (ZDS), representing the employers, addressed by adopting a cooperative approach. Ulbrich emphasized the union’s preparedness to authorize strike action if progress had not been made.
The agreement stipulates a 3.1 percent increase in hourly wages, effective from August 1, 2025, with a twelve-month duration. Container terminals within the sector will see a one-time payment of €1,800 distributed in August 2025, while conventional handling facilities will provide €1,200.
Furthermore, all employees at container terminals will receive an annual increase of €600 to the “A-allowance” raising it to €4,384 starting January 1, 2026. Verdi members will also benefit from an additional day of leave per year. An additional provision commits the negotiating partners to engage in discussions regarding the existing tariff agreement for automotive handling.
“This is an acceptable and sustainable outcome for all parties, achieved through intensive effort” declared Ulbrich, who led the negotiations alongside Sylvi Krisch, head of tariff coordination. She highlighted that employees would benefit from real wage growth, while also recognizing the varying performance levels of the port operations.
A four-week notification period has been agreed, after which the tentative tariff agreement will become fully valid.