Police Union Calls for ‘No’ Vote in Hamburg Olympic Referendum Amid Pay Dispute
Hamburg, May 14 – An escalating pay dispute between the German Police Union (DPolG) and the Hamburg Senate has led the union to call for a ‘No’ vote in the upcoming Olympic referendum. The DPolG alleges that the Senate is refusing to adequately increase the salaries of police officers, prompting this drastic measure.
Thomas Jungfer, head of the German Police Union Hamburg, expressed his outrage in a press release, stating that the Senate is showing police officers ‘the middle finger’ and delivering a ‘ruthless blow to its own people.’
Call for Boycott of Olympic Referendum
The harsh words stem from a long-standing dispute over civil servant remuneration. The union accuses the Senate of disregarding the guidelines set by the Federal Constitutional Court regarding police salaries. Jungfer is now urging all police officers to vote ‘No’ in the Hamburg Olympic referendum.
“Those who have no money for their own civil servants cannot count on our support,” said the union leader.
Senate Rejects Link Between Pay Dispute and Olympics
The Senate has expressed irritation at the union’s statements. When questioned by NDR 90,3, a spokesperson stated: “The Senate explicitly rejects linking this pay debate with the Olympic bid.” The Senate emphasized that polemics do not help civil servants, but constructive dialogue does.
In the Bürgerschaft (Hamburg Parliament), the SPD, Greens, and CDU support Hamburg’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, while the Left Party and AfD oppose it.
Background: Olympic Referendum in Hamburg
On May 31, the citizens of Hamburg will vote on whether the city should apply to host the Olympic Games. The Senate is expected to present the results of citizen participation soon, while the NOlympia campaign is preparing to collect signatures.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90,3 | NDR 90,3 Aktuell | May 14, 2026 | 09:00.
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