Verdi has called for a campus‑wide warning strike on Wednesday as part of its salary negotiations with the federal states.
On Sunday the union announced that staff from universities, student services, and research institutions will hold demonstrations in more than 60 cities across Germany to press for their wage demands. In addition, warning strikes are planned at over 40 locations.
Verdi federal board member Sylvia Bühler criticised the employers for still not presenting a binding offer and for cutting education budgets. She stressed that increased investment in educational facilities and their employees is essential to tackle challenges such as climate change and emerging technologies. Bühler said the states must ensure adequate funding for universities and good working conditions.
The union is demanding a 7 % pay increase-at least €300 per month-with an extra €200 for young professionals. It also calls for permanent contracts after training and for the collective agreement to cover the roughly 300,000 student assistants. State‑based employees plan to expand the warning strikes over the coming weeks.
