The German public sector union, Verdi, has announced plans for a nationwide strike, with the possibility of expanding the work stoppages by the end of the week, according to Verdi’s chairman, Frank Werneke. The announcement came after the latest round of collective bargaining talks ended in a stalemate, with no agreement reached on pay, working conditions, or relief measures for public sector employees.
Werneke stated that the employers, including the federal government and local authorities, have refused to make any concessions and that the chance for a swift resolution is being missed. The union is demanding an 8% pay increase, at a minimum of €350 more per month, as well as higher allowances for particularly demanding tasks. Additionally, Verdi is calling for three extra days off to counterbalance the high workload.
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for March 14 and 15. The federal government, through the Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, has responded by emphasizing the need to consider the government’s tight budget and the interests of taxpayers. Faeser stated that the government is seeking a solution that shows respect for the public sector employees.
The collective bargaining negotiations, led by Verdi, also involve the GdP, GEW, IG BAU and the Beamtenbund and Tarifunion and the outcome is expected to be applied to civil servants, judges, soldiers and recipients of public services.