A German union leader, Yasmin Fahimi, has defended the hard stance of the Verdi trade union in ongoing collective bargaining negotiations for the public sector, involving the federal government and municipalities, in the face of criticism.
According to Fahimi, the chair of the German Trade Union Federation (DGB), the union is aware of the broad support it has for strikes seeking better pay and working conditions, citing reliable surveys. “It’s clear to everyone that people are suffering under rising food and energy prices and higher rents” Fahimi told the Rheinische Post.
The union leader pointed out that, last year, it was possible to increase real wages by 3.2 percent, partly through strikes. However, those who do not receive a pay increase in line with the collective agreement often bear the brunt. “That is why we urgently need a national collective bargaining turnaround with a tariff loyalty law, so that more people can benefit from the protection of collective agreements again. This must be concretized in the coalition agreement” Fahimi emphasized.
The collective bargaining negotiations in Potsdam are currently in a potentially decisive phase. With numerous warning strikes at airports, public transportation and kindergartens, the service union Verdi has put the patience of commuters, holidaymakers and parents to the test. Verdi and the DBB civil servants’ union are demanding salary increases of eight percent, at a minimum of 350 euros per month, as well as three additional free days.