As the German Postal Service’s (Deutsche Post) labor dispute with the Verdi trade union continues, the latter has called for a one-day warning strike on Tuesday, targeting the delivery of mail in major cities and larger towns across all federal states.
According to Andrea Kocsis, the Verdi’s deputy chair, the second round of negotiations last week saw little progress and no concrete results. “Instead, the employers claimed that the employees’ demands are not financially viable. We do not accept this view” Kocsis emphasized.
The union leader highlighted the need for significant salary increases for employees to cope with still-high living costs, as well as more time off to alleviate the workload. “Our members will respond with strikes in the workplaces. The message is clear: We mean business and we are prepared to fight for our demands” Kocsis stated.
Verdi is demanding a 7% salary increase for its members, including trainees and dual-study students, with a 12-month contract duration. In addition, the union is seeking three extra days of leave and an additional day off for Verdi members. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 12 and 13, 2025.