In Germany, there are signs of an expansion of warning strikes in the public sector. Before the upcoming federal election, public transport and air traffic could be massively disrupted. Christine Behle, deputy chairwoman of the Verdi union, announced that the union is calling on employers to make a swift offer in the wage dispute with federal and municipal employees. If this offer is not forthcoming, further strike action before the election cannot be ruled out. There had already been isolated strikes at the beginning of the week, which mainly affected commuters and public transport.
The wage dispute affects around 2,5 million public sector employees, including bus drivers, educators, nurses and garbage collectors. Verdi is demanding a wage increase of 8 percent or at least 350 euros per month and three additional days off for employees. The aim is to improve working conditions and enable more flexibility. At the same time, ongoing dissatisfaction among the base is making them very willing to strike. As early as 2023, employees had temporarily paralyzed public transport, including trains and flights, through extensive strikes.
For the second round of negotiations on February 17 and 18 in Potsdam, the unions are hoping for a binding offer from the employers. If this does not happen, the strikes could become more intense. The Verdi union and the civil service union dbb are also campaigning for a reform of the debt brake and financial relief for local authorities. At the same time, they report a slight loss of members, which was partially offset by numerous new members.
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