The ver.di trade union has announced a warning strike for employees of the City of Hamburg on Monday, December 16, 2024. The strike, scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, will be accompanied by a rally in front of the Europa Passage. This industrial action is a direct consequence of the stalled collective bargaining negotiations for the collective agreement for public sector employees in the federal states (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder).
Ver.di Demands and Employer Rejection
Ver.di’s primary demands include a 7 percent increase in monthly wages, with a minimum increase of 300 euros. For junior staff, the union is pushing for a 200 euro increase. Additionally, ver.di is advocating for apprentices to be offered permanent employment upon completion of their training. These demands have been explicitly rejected by the employers during the ongoing negotiation rounds.
A spokesperson for ver.di, Mr. Klaus Müller, stated, “Our demands are reasonable and necessary given the current economic climate and rising cost of living. Our members deserve fair compensation for their hard work. The employers’ refusal to meet these basic demands leaves us with no alternative but to escalate our actions.”
Background to the Collective Bargaining Round
The current collective bargaining round affects a significant number of public sector employees across Germany, including those working for various state and municipal administrations. The negotiations aim to establish new wage agreements and working conditions for these employees. Ver.di, as one of the largest trade unions in Germany, plays a crucial role in representing the interests of these workers.
The union emphasizes that the proposed wage increases are crucial to maintain the purchasing power of public sector employees, especially in light of recent inflation rates. The demand for a minimum increase of 300 euros is intended to particularly benefit lower-income earners within the public service.
Impact of the Warning Strike in Hamburg
The warning strike in Hamburg is expected to impact various municipal services, though the exact extent of disruptions will become clearer on Monday. City administration offices, public transportation, and other essential services may experience delays or reduced operations. Residents are advised to check local announcements for specific information regarding potential disruptions.
The rally in front of the Europa Passage will serve as a platform for striking employees to voice their concerns and demonstrate their solidarity. Union representatives are expected to address the crowd, reiterating their demands and urging employers to return to the negotiating table with a more constructive offer.
This warning strike is part of a broader strategy by ver.di to increase pressure on employers during the collective bargaining process. Similar actions have been observed in other federal states as the union seeks to achieve a favorable outcome for its members nationwide.
The union has indicated that if no satisfactory agreement is reached, further industrial actions, potentially including extended strikes, could follow. The goal remains to secure a collective agreement that adequately reflects the contributions of public sector employees and ensures fair working conditions.
