A day before the third round of wage negotiations in the public sector of Germany’s federal states, Verdi staged all‑day warning strikes in Hamburg on Tuesday. The union called for the staff of schools, fire services, public transport companies, district offices and other authorities to refuse work. On Wednesday, similar warning strikes are expected in North Rhine‑Westphalia, Berlin and Brandenburg.
Christine Behle, Verdi’s deputy chief, warned that the decisive meeting with the states is imminent and “will involve hard bargaining, even though the employers are acting politely”. She noted that the employers have so far offered nothing substantial: “too long‑term contracts, only a modest inflation adjustment on wages, tiny concessions for trainees and students-far too little”. Behle said that if the states need a clear signal of how seriously employees take the issue, the union is ready to provide it.
Sandra Goldschmidt, Verdi’s Hamburg district leader, added that while a short‑term staff overload may ease budgets, it ultimately erodes trust in democracy. “Functional offices, staffed counters, a state that works when people need it are the foundation of a strong democracy” she said. “That is why we fight for fair wages in the public sector”.
In its request, Verdi is demanding a seven‑percent pay increase, amounting to a minimum of €300, and an additional €200 per month for apprentices, students and trainees. The union also seeks a 20‑percent raise in overtime and night‑time allowances.