The public sector in Germany is facing significant disruption as the labor union Verdi intensifies its call for strikes. Workers across various sectors, including education, healthcare, public transportation, and airports, are being urged to participate in a series of warning strikes. These actions are part of an ongoing dispute over wage increases and working conditions.
Verdi is demanding an 8% pay rise, a minimum increase of 350 euros per month, and three additional days off for public sector employees. Despite ongoing negotiations, employers have so far rejected these demands as financially unfeasible. The tension between Verdi and the municipal employers' association has led to a stalemate, with no substantial progress made in recent talks.
The impact of these strikes is widespread, affecting daycare centers, hospitals, municipal facilities, and major transportation hubs, including Frankfurt and Stuttgart airports. In addition, regional public transport systems like those in Düsseldorf and Braunschweig are also experiencing significant disruptions.
As the strikes continue, Verdi Chairman Frank Werneke warns of further escalations if no agreement is reached in the upcoming negotiation round in mid-March. The union is committed to intensifying its actions, aiming to apply pressure on employers to meet their demands.
In response, the German Airports Association has called for political intervention to protect critical infrastructure from what they describe as 'monster strikes.' They propose that strike actions should only be permissible after failed conciliation attempts, to safeguard passengers and economic activities from severe disruptions.
This labor dispute highlights the ongoing challenges within the public sector, with Verdi determined to secure better wages and conditions for its members amid rising costs of living.
