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Scheduled for the third round of collective bargaining in the public sector, German unions Verdi, GEW, and the United Services Union have escalated their push for better working conditions by calling for a nationwide warning strike and a massive demonstration. Heading towards the crucial negotiations starting on March 16 in Potsdam, union members are expected to participate in strikes across various public sector entities, such as universities, hospitals, the judiciary, and the administration.
Major public services providers in North Rhine-Westphalia, like Straßen.NRW, may experience interruptions as a substantial portion of their workforce prepares for these strikes, leading to uncleared roads and potential black ice for road users.
In a significant demonstration, Verdi's boss Frank Werneke and the chairman of dbb, Ulrich Silberbach, will address a large gathering in Düsseldorf at midday, urging the federal states and the Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder (TdL) to consider their demands.
Verdi and dbb have requested a 10.5% wage increase, not to mention at least a 500 euro minimum salary boost, which employers have deemed unreasonable. The employers from the TdL have yet to present a counteroffer. However, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser candidly acknowledged the financial difficulties while hinting at the possibility of a balanced solution based on the unions' demands.
The negotiations exhibit a significant political context given the upcoming federal elections on February 23. The negotiations could have far-reaching implications for public services with potential strikes in rubbish collection, Kitas, public transport, healthcare workers, and airport ground staff if a resolution is not reached beforehand.
The GEW and the United Services Union are seeking a minimum wage increase of 8%, a substantial raise for staff in demanding roles, primarily in health care, and three extra vacation days managed through flexible working time accounts.
In the face of these demands, the federal government and local authorities have shown caution in their approach, acknowledging the challenges and exploring potential solutions that could placate both parties while ensuring minimal service disruptions.
According to recent developments, if no progress is made during the negotiations, significant strikes could emerge prior to the elections, as warned by Verdi's Deputy Chair, Christine Behle. The unions prepare to take action to amplify their voice and exert pressure on the employers, making the third round of collective bargaining an event of utmost importance for the future of the public sector in Germany.
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In the midst of the collective bargaining round, unions have presented bold demands while local authorities and employers have responded cautiously. Unions Verdi and dbb have requested a minimum wage increase of 8%, factoring in a 350 euro per month raise, along with higher compensation for staff in particularly demanding roles, notably inside the health care sector.
The unions also have proposed three additional days off for workers, which they plan to manage through flexible working time accounts, a system that would allow staff members to accrue and utilize leave days based on their needs and schedules.
Employer counteroffers have not yet been presented, but Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser mentioned the financial constraints that could limit the extent of potential wage increases. She remained optimistic that a resolution could be reached by balancing the needs of the federal states and the unions.
Negotiations are scheduled to begin on March 16, 2023, with significant strikes potentially arising prior to the federal elections on February 26 if an agreement cannot be reached. Unions, including Verdi and GEW, are piling pressure on the authorities with protests and nationwide warning strikes. These actions target various public services, including postal workers and railway workers who are currently involved in separate wage disputes. This complex web of labor issues has caused widespread concern and uncertainty amidst the political and economic landscape of Germany.
