Journalists across Germany are preparing for multiple days of walkouts as union Verdi escalates its dispute with the Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV). The industrial action, planned for the two weeks leading up to the tenth round of wage negotiations, aims to increase pressure on publishers.
The strikes are expected to be particularly impactful in southern Germany this week, representing what Verdi describes as an “unmistakable signal” to the publishing side. Verdi negotiator Matthias von Fintel stated that the frustration within newsrooms is substantial, with striking journalists anticipating a more favorable outcome than previous offers.
The recent withdrawal of concessions presented by employers in late June, viewed as a disregard for the work of editorial teams, has spurred a particularly strong response.
Verdi is coordinating the strikes with the German Journalists’ Association (DJV), with both unions calling for negotiations that are “conducted on an equal footing – not intended to merely prolong the process”. The goal is to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the value of journalistic work.