One day before the third negotiation round in the public‑sector wage dispute among the German states, Hamburg will hold a warning strike on Tuesday. Verdi has called for a full‑day walkout by employees in schools, fire services, public transport companies, district offices and other authorities. A following wave of warning strikes is expected on Wednesday in North Rhine‑Westphalia, Berlin and Brandenburg.
” The decisive round with the states is coming up – and it will be hard negotiations, even if the employers are being friendly” said Christine Behle, Verdi’s deputy chief. “Thus far they have presented nothing constructive: overly long contract terms, only a slight inflation adjustment in wages, minimal offers for trainees and students – all too little. If the states need a clear signal of how seriously employees view this, we’re happy to give it”.
Sandra Goldschmidt, regional director of Verdi Hamburg, added that an overburdened public service may temporarily ease budgets, but it erodes confidence in democracy over the long term. “Accessible offices, staffed counters, a state that works when people need it form the foundation of a strong democracy” she said. “That’s why we fight for fair wages in the public sector”.
In the current wage round, Verdi is demanding a 7 % pay rise, i.e., at least €300. The union also seeks an extra €200 per month for trainees, students and interns, and wants time‑allowance rates to be increased by 20 %, according to Verdi.
