It's About Time: Union Action in Germany's Public Sector May Lead to Nationwide Strike
The winds of change are blowing through Lower Saxony as unions gear up for a significant show of force ahead of wage negotiations. Stefan Störmer, representative of the Education and Science Union, is urging other unions to join him in a full-day warning strike. Tensions are high as we draw near to the third round of wage negotiations for the federal states' public sectors.
"We're edging closer to the third round," says Störmer, "but the employers seem just as sturdy in their resolve as ever." The unions aren't holding back and have lined up a rally at Schützenplatz in Hanover at 10 a.m. and a series of speeches by union leaders at Opernplatz an hour later.
Germany's public sector unrest is no small matter, with around 1.1 million employees across the nation in the crosshairs. Moreover, 1.4 million civil servants may be indirectly affected.
Setting the Stage
The unions are pushing hard, proposing a 10.5% increase in wages and an additional 500 euros in monthly paychecks for juniors. Trainees might even be offered indefinite contracts, a move that could cause ripples through the sector.
The Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder was not convinced by the unions' demands during the last round of negotiations, held early November. By now, two rounds have passed, and there have been more than a few warning strikes. Given the tense context, the upcoming round in Potsdam on December 7 could prove to be the final standoff.
On the Ground: Berlin's BVG Struggles
Beneath the surface of the ongoing wage dispute in the German public sector lies a deeper story. Verdi, a union active in the Berlin urban transit operator BVG, is pushing for significant wage increases. Here's the current state of affairs and a rough estimate of its repercussions:
The Current Climate
Warning Strikes: On February 13, 2025, the second warning strike took place at BVG, temporarily disabling public transit services in Berlin, excluding the S-Bahn. Verdi spearheaded the strike as part of the ongoing wage dispute[1].
Negotiations: BVG and Verdi are currently engaged in negotiations. BVG has proposed a 3.8% salary increase and an extra day of vacation during the third round of discussions. Verdi, however, has planned for more strikes, which won't kick off until after the federal election on February 23 to avoid interfering with postal voting[3].
Potential Economic Repercussions
Labor Turmoil: The ongoing strikes could cause considerable damage to public transportation in Germany, leaving commuters and businesses in disarray. Thus, costs are expected to go up for both businesses and consumers[1][3]. Uncertainty Cloud: The continuing labor disputes and the possibility of future strikes give rise to an unsettling atmosphere that may undermine investor confidence and hinder market stability[2]. Government Priorities: Germany's government prioritizes rearmament and austerity measures, which could exacerbate the situation. Allocating funds to defense instead of social programs might support the military budget but may also lead to further labor disputes and potential economic instability[1].
Public sector wage disputes and union strikes in Germany, with BVG serving as a case in point, are part of a broader struggle against austerity measures and rearmament policies. Unions will continue pushing for better wages and working conditions, even as they face criticisms and challenges. Whether or not the current negotiations yield fruit remains to be seen, but the momentum of worker organizations across many public sectors shows no sign of slowing down.
