German trade union Verdi announces more public sector strikes
Germany is bracing for intensified strike action by public sector state workers next week.
The deputy head of the Verdi trade union, Christine Behle, predicted on Friday that there would be "a colourful first half of the week" as unions move to pressure state governments for more concessions.
State employers nationwide will be affected, he said, especially university hospitals, but also in road construction, administration, IT and the judicial system, including the prison system. About 2.2 million employees are involved.
"This is the last wave of pressure before the final round of negotiations," said Behle.
After two unsuccessful collective-bargaining negotiations, unions and employers are expected to meet for the last time from February 11 to 13.
There are still major differences between the two sides. "The employers are looking for a 5% wage increase with a term of 29 months," said Behle. "That is too low, and the period is too long."
Verdi and the civil servants' union dbb, which is also involved in the negotiations, are demanding a 7% increase in monthly pay per month - but at least an additional €300 ($355), with junior staff to receive at least €200 more per month. The unions want the deal to run for 12 months.
Behle was optimistic that an agreement would be reached in Potsdam, the venue near Berlin for the talks. Otherwise, there could be a fourth round of negotiations; arbitration is not planned in this round of collective bargaining.
There have already been extended strikes from state employees in recent weeks, including at schools, particularly in eastern Germany.
There, many teachers are state employees and are allowed to strike, unlike their federal civil servant colleagues in the west of the country.