Public Sector Wage Talks Set to Begin: Union Demands 7% increase for 1.2 Million Workers
Berlin – Collective bargaining for approximately 1.2 million public sector employees across Germany’s federal states is scheduled to begin December 3rd, wiht the Verdi union presenting a firm set of demands. The union is seeking a 7% wage increase, alongside a minimum monthly increase of 300 euros, for workers in state employment.
Verdi and the German Civil Service Association (dbb) announced their collective bargaining committees reached this decision on Monday.”The employees want a clear signal from employers that their services will be better rewarded in the future,” stated Verdi boss Frank Werneke.
Negotiations are expected to continue into mid-January, with a third round planned for February 11-13th. Reaching an agreement before the third round is considered unlikely.
The proposed collective agreement would have a term of twelve months. in April 2023, a separate agreement was reached for federal and local government employees, outlining a two-stage wage increase of 5.8% over a 27-month period ending in March 2027.
Beyond the general wage increase, Verdi is also pushing for a 200 euro monthly increase for junior employees, coupled with a requirement for permanent employment following prosperous training. Additionally, the union is demanding a 20 percentage point increase to all time surcharges, such as those for night shifts.
The demands come as the public sector faces a significant staffing shortage, estimated at around 600,000 positions. “In order not to fall further and further behind the private sector on the labor market, the public service urgently needs to become more attractive and pay better,” said Volker Geyer, federal chairman of the dbb. “there is a lack of staff at the back and front.” Frank Werneke added that the situation is expected to worsen.
The negotiations will cover employees in a wide range of state services, including road construction, the judiciary, financial and tax authorities, daycare centers, schools, universities, clinics, and administrative roles.The outcome of these talks will also impact approximately 1.3 million civil servants through the transmission of the results, as well as around one million pensioners.
Source: ntv.de, lme/rts
