As Deutsche Post enters its second round of wage negotiations, the labor union Verdi is steadfast in its demand for a seven percent salary increase and additional vacation days for around 170,000 employees. Verdi's chief negotiator, Andrea Kocsis, emphasizes that significant wage hikes are essential to manage the persistent high costs of living and food prices.
The first negotiation round in January ended without any agreement. Deutsche Post maintains that a balance must be struck between wage increases and economic sustainability, noting that salaries have already risen by 11.5% since the last agreement. However, Verdi insists that wages are still below the national average, making further increases necessary.
The ongoing negotiations, set in Kassel, illustrate the challenges faced by both parties. Deutsche Post is grappling with declining mail volumes and substantial investment needs. These factors complicate the quest for an economically viable agreement.
Adding to the tension is Deutsche Post's recent postage rate hike, justified by the company due to inflation and rising labor costs. Despite this, the company criticizes the Federal Network Agency for not allowing sufficient room for price increases.
As Verdi continues to advocate for better wages and conditions, the talks are scheduled to proceed with more rounds in February. The outcome of these negotiations holds significant implications for the postal workers, who are looking for financial relief amid challenging economic conditions.
