Hamburg, July 21 – Wage negotiations for approximately 11,000 employees in the North German seaports began on Wednesday in Hamburg. The trade union Ver.di is entering the discussions with a demand for an 8.2 percent wage increase, or “at least 2.50 euros more per hour,” as chief negotiator Sylvi Krisch told the German Press Agency.
Ver.di Cites Increased Container Turnover and Rising Costs
Krisch pointed to the significant increases in container turnover, which have benefited port operators. At the same time, she noted that further cost increases have diminished the purchasing power of port workers. The employers’ side initially remained reserved regarding the demands.
Last year, the bargaining parties reached an agreement on a 3.1 percent increase in hourly wages after just two days of negotiations, a relatively smooth process. However, negotiations have not always been so harmonious. In 2022 and 2024, it took nine and ten rounds of negotiations, respectively, to reach an agreement.
Negotiations Expected to Be Challenging This Year
Ver.di chief negotiator Krisch doubts that this year’s negotiations will proceed as quickly as last year. “I believe that it won’t be quite so easy this time,” she stated, indicating a potentially tougher round of talks.
The current negotiations are crucial for the port workers, as they seek to secure better compensation in light of the economic conditions and the industry’s performance. The outcome will impact thousands of employees and the operations of the vital North German seaports.
Further updates on the negotiations are expected as discussions progress between Ver.di and the employers’ representatives.
