The head of Germany’s Civil Servants’ Association, Volker Geyer, staunchly defended the union’s demand for a significant pay increase for state employees, dismissing employer concerns as detached from economic reality. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, Geyer characterized the union’s request – seven percent or a minimum of €300 – as a “realistic reflection of the current situation” citing rapidly escalating living costs affecting not only urban centers but also smaller towns across the nation.
Geyer criticized the employers’ reaction, suggesting a disconnect from the everyday struggles of workers. He positioned the union’s demand as “entirely within a reasonable framework” and urged the Länder (federal states) to present a substantial counteroffer at the next round of negotiations. He warned against presenting “minimalist” proposals, emphasizing that a genuine willingness to negotiate would be crucial to avoid industrial action.
The powerful union leader cautioned against any assumptions that strike action among state employees would be inconsequential. He specifically referenced the vital role of road maintenance crews during recent severe weather events and the potential for considerable pressure through institutions like university hospitals. Geyer reiterated that a fair counteroffer from the Länder could prevent escalation and avert widespread disruption.
Addressing criticisms that public sector employment, traditionally considered secure, contrasts with the job insecurity faced by workers in the industrial sector, Geyer sharply retorted that a guaranteed job does not alleviate the burden of essential expenses. “Job security doesn’t pay the rent or the grocery bill” he stated, highlighting the immediate and pressing financial anxieties impacting state employees and implicitly challenging the narrative surrounding the perceived privilege of public sector work. The stark remark signals a potentially confrontational negotiation period and underscores the growing pressure on the Länder to address the economic concerns of a significant segment of the workforce.
