Strike at Hamburg Port: Freight Forwarders Express Concerns Over Perishable Goods and Supply Chains
Hamburg, February 6 – A series of ongoing warning strikes in Hamburg, including action by employees at the veterinary and import office in Hamburg Port, is drawing sharp criticism from freight forwarders. The employer association “Verein Hamburger Spediteure” (Association of Hamburg Freight Forwarders) warns that the ver.di-led industrial action is severely impacting controls, leading to significant delays in the release of goods, particularly foodstuffs.
The strike, which has been ongoing throughout the week and continued on Friday, means that controls are only taking place sporadically. This has grave consequences for freight forwarders, shippers, and importers, as goods risk perishing and supply chains are grinding to a halt.
Urgent Call for Clear Regulations
The Association of Hamburg Freight Forwarders argues that a state institution should not be paralyzed for days by a warning strike. They are calling on the Senate to establish clear regulations to prevent such extensive disruptions in the future.
“Foodstuffs cannot be released, or only with considerable delays. This has serious consequences for freight forwarders, shippers, and importers, as goods spoil and supply chains stall,” stated a representative from the association.
Ver.di Focuses on Targeted Strikes
In the ongoing collective bargaining dispute for public sector employees in the federal states, the ver.di union is employing targeted warning strikes. In addition to the port, strikes have also affected the technical service of the fire brigade and the Alster and Elbe locks.
No New Offer from Employers
Ver.di is demanding a minimum of 300 euros more per month for employees and an additional 200 euros for junior staff. According to the union, there is still no negotiable offer from the employers’ side shortly before the third round of negotiations.
More than 300 people participated in ver.di’s warning strike in Hamburg on Friday. The industrial action is linked to the current collective bargaining negotiations for public sector employees in the federal states.
Third Round of Negotiations Underway
The collective bargaining talks for public sector employees in the federal states continued on Thursday in Potsdam, led by Hamburg’s Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD).
Further Strikes Announced for VHH Buses
Ver.di has announced further warning strikes, with VHH buses in Hamburg expected to be affected again next Wednesday.
This ongoing industrial action highlights the tensions in public sector wage negotiations and the significant impact such strikes can have on critical infrastructure and the economy.
Source: NDR.de
