Negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement covering approximately 11,000 employees at German seaports have concluded swiftly, with the service sector union Verdi reaching a preliminary agreement with employers following the initial round of talks.
Verdi lead negotiator Maren Ulbrich stated that the union had urged employers to avoid delaying tactics, a request which the Central Association of German Seaports (ZDS), acting as the employers’ representative, accommodated by demonstrating a willingness to find common ground. Union representatives emphasized their readiness for strike action should progress stall.
The agreed-upon framework stipulates a 3.1% increase in hourly wages, effective August 1, 2025, with a twelve-month duration. Employees in container terminals are slated to receive a one-time payment of €1,800 in August 2025, while those in conventional handling operations will receive €1,200.
Furthermore, all employees in container terminals will see an increase in the “A-flat rate” (A-Pauschale) by €600 annually, bringing the rate to €4,384, beginning January 1, 2026. Verdi members will also be granted an additional day of paid leave per year. An agreement has also been reached for both parties to engage in discussions regarding the existing collective bargaining agreement for automotive handling.
“This is an acceptable and sustainable result for all parties, achieved through intensive negotiation” explained Ulbrich, who led the talks alongside Sylvi Krisch, Head of Tariff Coordination. Representatives noted the real wage growth for employees and acknowledged the varying performance levels among port operations.
A four-week ratification period is in place, after which the preliminary agreement will become fully valid.
