German civil servants are demanding substantial wage increases to combat soaring living costs, escalating tensions with state governments and raising concerns about potential widespread industrial action. Volker Geyer, chairman of the German Civil Servants’ Association (DBB), defended the union’s call for a minimum increase of €300 or 7% for public sector employees, dismissing employer arguments characterizing the request as excessive.
“If employers claim this is an astronomical demand, I question what solar system they’re operating in” Geyer stated to the “Rheinische Post”, emphasizing the demand reflects the stark reality of rapidly rising consumer prices. He argued that the impact of inflation is no longer limited to major urban centers, affecting smaller cities and towns as well.
Geyer stressed that the union expects a significant counter-offer from the Länder (German states) in the next round of negotiations, warning that a meager or insincere proposal risks triggering further action. He explicitly cautioned against any illusions about the potential impact of strikes, highlighting the vital role of public services like road maintenance and essential hospital functions. “The recent weather conditions alone demonstrated the paramount importance of snow removal services” he pointed out, suggesting targeted strike action could apply pressure to critical sectors.
The union leader also addressed the common criticism that public sector employment offers relative job security compared to industries facing significant layoffs. Geyer countered, “A secure job doesn’t pay the rent or cover the grocery bill at the supermarket checkout”. This statement underscores a deepening sense of economic anxiety felt across various sectors, indicating that even traditionally stable public sector workers are struggling to maintain their living standards and are unwilling to accept stagnant wages. The impasse highlights a potential political fault line, as state governments grapple with balancing budgetary constraints and the growing pressure to address the concerns of a frustrated workforce.