The trade union Verdi, which represents service workers, is demanding improvements to the employers’ offers ahead of the fourth round of wage negotiations for German seaports. Sylvi Krisch, Verdi’s lead negotiator, stated on Wednesday, alongside Francisca Bier, that the feedback from union members was clear: “The offer is not sufficient.” She added that the lack of adequacy had been particularly evident during the warning strikes held last week, especially concerning the duration of the collective agreement.
In the third round of talks, the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) had proposed wage increases of 5.1 percent, effective retroactively from August 1, 2026, coupled with an 18-month contract term. The employer’s offer also included a minimum increase of €1.20 per hour. In contrast, Verdi is calling for an 8.2 percent increase in hourly wages, or at least €2.50 per hour, over a 12-month contract period.
Following the warning strikes, the employers proposed today as the date for the fourth round of negotiations, which was initially set for Monday.
