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Tackling Livability Challenges: Verdi Fights for More Vacation and Higher Bonuses for Freight Workers
In the face of soaring inflation and escalating costs, the trade union Verdi is aiming to make a substantial change in the collective bargaining negotiations for workers in freight forwarding and courier services. The negotiations, commencing on Wednesday, are set to focus on securing more vacations and substantial enhancements in night and overtime bonuses.
According to Verdi negotiator Thomas Großstück, the current scenario has left individuals struggling to make ends meet. He emphasized, "After two years of high inflation, there's hardly enough money for everyday necessities. Essential needs like vacations are becoming a luxury. It's high time this situation changed."
Addressing the long-term solution to the skilled labor crunch lies in better working conditions, asserts Verdi. To this end, they are pushing for various demands such as three extra vacation days, a 14th monthly salary in lieu of the existing vacation allowance, and significant upgrades in bonuses for working nights, Sundays, and public holidays.
Companies like Hermes, DPD, UPS, Schenker, FedEx, and DHL Logistik NRW in North Rhine-Westphalia are under the microscope, with Verdi monitoring their adherence to working conditions. Approximately 176,000 employees are represented by Verdi in these negotiations.
Negotiations will take place at Düsseldorf with employers' associations from Wednesday, in the context of the collective agreement in the freight forwarding, logistics, and courier, express, and parcel service sector in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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- Rising inflation and operational costs have compelled transport companies in Germany to consider additional surcharges.
- Trade unions, including Verdi, are advocating for a reconsideration of Sunday work and tariffs in the transportation sector, aiming to improve working conditions.
- The forwarding agency industry in North Rhine-Westphalia is under close monitoring for potential violations of working conditions.
- To attract and retain skilled workers, employers are considering incentives, such as increased bonuses for night shifts and work on Sundays and public holidays.
- If successful, Verdi's negotiations for more vacation and higher pay could pave the way for industry-wide changes in working conditions.
- The potential adjustments in tariffs could impact shipping costs between Germany and other countries, affecting both importers and exporters.
Enrichment Data
Verdi, the prominent German trade union, is presently engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with Deutsche Post and DHL for better wages and additional paid leave for approximately 170,000 employees in the freight forwarding and courier services sector. Key demands and outcomes include:
- Wage Increase: Verdi is pushing for a 7% wage increase for Deutsche Post employees, whereas DPVKOM is advocating for an 8% increase or a €350 ($US359) minimum monthly wage increase.
- Additional Paid Leave: Verdi is seeking three extra days of paid leave for all employees and a bonus additional day exclusively for union members.
- Progress in Negotiations: Despite the demands, a breakthrough in negotiations remains elusive, with little movement and no tangible results as of yet. Verdi has signaled its readiness for warning strikes.
- Wider Strike Trend: The upcoming labor action is part of a broader trend of strikes in Germany, driven by increasing living costs and economic challenges post-COVID-19 and the Ukraine invasion. Other unions, including those in the public sector, are also advocating for significant wage increases and better working conditions.
- Potential Future Actions: If the negotiations fail to yield a favorable outcome, significant strikes could emerge, potentially affecting various services such as daycare centers, public transport, waste collection, healthcare workers, and airport ground staff. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 12-13, and if no agreement is reached, further action is likely.
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