Wage Talks - Minister Warns Against Excessive Demands - Hesse's public sector unions demand 7% pay hike amid inflation and staff shortages
Public sector unions in Hesse are pushing for a 7% pay rise in the upcoming 2026 wage talks. The demands include higher monthly payments, an extra day of leave, and a full month's salary as a Christmas bonus. Hesse's Interior Minister Roman Poseck has called the requests 'excessive' and warned of tough negotiations ahead.
The Police Union (GdP) has criticised Poseck's stance, arguing that inflation has not been properly addressed. They point to rising living costs, soaring rents, and energy prices as key concerns. The union also highlights increasing pressures on officers, recruitment difficulties, and staff leaving for better-paid roles in other states or federal agencies.
Under the GdP's proposal, trainees would see a €200 monthly increase. For other state employees, the union suggests a minimum €300 raise per month. Poseck, however, insists that Hesse's economic situation makes such demands unfeasible. He claims recent wage adjustments already accounted for inflation.
The negotiations, set to begin on February 27, 2026, will cover staff under the TV-H collective agreement, including police officers, teachers, university clinic workers, and other state employees. Unions like ver.di and GEW are leading the push for better terms. A demonstration is planned outside the Interior Ministry in Wiesbaden before the talks start.
The unions' demands include a 7% pay rise, a full month's Christmas bonus, and an additional day of annual leave. Poseck maintains that the state cannot meet these requests due to financial constraints. The outcome of the negotiations will affect thousands of public sector workers across Hesse.
