The service union Verdi has called for warning strikes at six German seaports. The union announced on Monday that the affected locations include Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden, and Brake.
The work stoppages are scheduled to begin Monday evening with the commencement of the night shift, lasting for 24 hours. The strike action stems from ongoing collective bargaining talks, during which Verdi is demanding an increase in hourly wages of 8.2 percent, or a minimum of €2.50 per hour.
These strikes come after the workforce voted by a large majority to reject the proposal put forward by the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS). The employers’ association expressed surprise at the rejection and has not yet scheduled a new negotiating date. Sylvi Krisch, Verdi’s lead negotiator, stated that the employees deserved a better deal given that they are responsible for maintaining the essential infrastructure of the ports.
Verdi is advocating for a contract term of twelve months. In contrast, the ZDS recently offered a 5.1 percent wage increase, €300 more in holiday pay, and a €460 increase to the A-Pauschale, all over a much longer period of 19 months. The workers specifically criticized this offer, pointing out the extended duration and the modest increase provided for those in lower wage categories.
