The union Verdi has announced a call for a strike this Thursday, targeting several broadcasters within the ARD network. Verdi stated that the dispute stems from salary and fee contracts at major regional stations-specifically the Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), and Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR)-which expired at the end of January 2026. According to the union, negotiations in these areas have remained unsuccessful.
Verdi is demanding a seven percent increase in collective wages and fees, with a minimum increase of 300 Euros. Furthermore, the union calls for trainees to receive a minimum monthly raise of 200 Euros.
Christoph Schmitz-Dethlefsen, who handles media affairs for the Verdi Federal Executive Board, criticized the opposing parties, stating that the negotiating representatives at the ARD stations are “on the brakes” thereby escalating the wage dispute. The next scheduled negotiation dates are set for NDR on May 19, BR on May 22, and WDR on June 9.
