Wage Talks between ver.di and Hamburg Hochbahn Remain Deadlocked
Hamburg, March 11 – Negotiations between the United Services Trade Union (ver.di) and Hamburger Hochbahn concluded on Monday without a breakthrough. The primary point of contention revolves around the duration of the new collective bargaining agreement, leaving the possibility of further strikes in Hamburg’s bus and subway services open.
Disagreement Over Contract Length Amid Inflation Fears
Hochbahn presented an offer with a 36-month term on Monday. However, ver.di advocates for a 12-month agreement, citing the “volatile global situation.” During the negotiation round, Hochbahn slightly conceded on the term, proposing a 30-month agreement, which ver.di still considers too long.
Gabriel Arndt, ver.di union secretary, expressed concerns: “We are witnessing the rising prices of diesel and heating oil and are expected to commit to a 30-month term. The employees alone are expected to bear the risk of potential inflation jumps.”
Saskia Heidenberger, Hochbahn’s chief negotiator, countered that it is unacceptable “if we are negotiating again as early as January 2027 and our customers would again be affected by massive strikes.”
Wage Offers Slowly Converging
Regarding salary levels, the two parties are gradually nearing an agreement. Hochbahn announced an improved offer with up to 8.1 percent more monthly pay, albeit staggered. According to ver.di, the initial increase of 2.1 percent (at least 90 euros) was intended to apply for 18 months. Ver.di demands a wage increase of 3.4 percent (at least 150 euros) for the next twelve months. Previously, ver.di had demanded a 7.5 percent wage increase over a twelve-month period.
Next Steps and Potential Strikes
Negotiations are scheduled to resume on March 23. No further warning strikes have been announced yet. According to ver.di, the union’s collective bargaining committee will now decide on this matter.
A nationwide warning strike by ver.di had already crippled local transport in northern Germany since Friday. In Schleswig-Holstein, a collective agreement was reached.
Recent Incidents and Broader Context
This ongoing dispute occurs against a backdrop of recent transport disruptions in Hamburg. On Tuesday, two bus accidents occurred near Schlump, injuring 13 people in one incident. Additionally, a strike by the pilot’s union Cockpit is planned for Thursday and Friday at Lufthansa, primarily affecting domestic flights.
The Hamburg logistics association has also spoken out against a fuel price brake, advocating for long-term reforms due to high fuel prices.
The outcome of the upcoming negotiations will significantly impact public transport services in Hamburg and the daily commutes of thousands of residents.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/tarifkonflikt-bei-der-hamburger-hochbahn-weiter-keine-einigung-in-sicht,hochbahn-128.html
