Workers Gather in Hanover and Bremen for Wage Protest
As negotiations for the wage dispute across various German states approach, employees are participating in warning strikes. On Wednesday, over 5,500 workers gathered at Opera Square in Hanover, with approximately 3,000 demonstrating in Bremen during a rally, as declared by Verdi. These events precede the scheduled negotiations set to happen in Potsdam on December 7.
Christine Behle, Verdi's deputy federal chairwoman, portrayed the rising annual tax revenues across German federal states as the crux of the issue. Behle maintained that it was a matter of inappropriate funds distribution, rather than affordability. Verdi expressed dissatisfaction from firefighters regarding their Christmas bonus, which hadn't been fully restored, and a demonstration ensued outside the Finance Ministry.
The ongoing wage dispute centers around roughly 1.1 million employees nationally, with 1.4 million civil servants expected to be affected by the outcome. Trade unions advocate for a 10.5% income increase for public sector employees, aiming for at least €500 more per month, and junior employees seek an additional €200 monthly. Trainees, meanwhile, demand indefinite employment opportunities.
During the second round of negotiations in early November, the Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder deemed the unions' demands as overly ambitious and unaffordable.
Further Reading:
- Lower Saxony Unions Join the Struggle: Apart from Verdi, the United Services Union has also entered the fray in Lower Saxony, mobilizing for the warning strikes in Hanover and Bremen.
- Employer Association Warns: The employer association based in Potsdam, the Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder, voiced concerns over the proposed wage increases, claiming their implementation would trigger significant tariff hikes and negatively impact various industries.
- Union Response: In response to the employers' stance, the union stressed that the wage dispute was primarily a matter of fair revenue distribution, rather than affordability.
- Follow-up Meeting: One day post the Hanover and Bremen warning strikes, representatives from both parties were scheduled to meet in Potsdam for the wage dispute and potential resolution discussions.
- Behle Attends the Meeting: Present at the Potsdam meeting would be Christine Behle, asserting that the German federal states' tax revenues were not justly distributed, and reiterating the need for improved wages for public sector employees.
- Civil Servants and Transit Workers Watch Nearby: Despite ongoing strikes in numerous cities, civilians in other German states are closely monitoring the Potsdam negotiations, hopeful for a favorable resolution that would uplift wages and working conditions.
Enrichment Data: (Integrated into the base article to ensure coherence)
- Berlin's BVG: Following the wage dispute, the Verdi union prompted a 24-hour warning strike at Berlin's urban transit operator, BVG. This move led to significantly affected bus, tram, and subway services, excluding the S-Bahn. Employees demanded a base salary increase of €750, a shift allowance of €300, and a double shift premium to €200.
- Nationwide Strike: A nationwide strike is planned for February 21, encompassing six federal states (Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate). Over 53,000 employees from 70 companies participate in this movement to support demands for higher salaries for public sector employees.
- Negotiations Status: Negotiations remain in progress, with no agreement reached. Verdi leaders seek a 8% wage increase or €350 more per month, but counter-proposals are still pending. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for March 14-16 in Potsdam. A resolution isn't guaranteed during this time, and further strikes could ensue.
- Union Criticism and Alternative Organizations: Controversy within the union ranks has begun to emerge, with some members expressing dissatisfaction with Verdi's handling of the dispute. The Transport Workers Action Committee advocates for BVG employees to break away from Verdi's structure and organize independently, arguing for more militant action.
