In the collective bargaining dispute between aviation security personnel, Verdi and the employers could move towards arbitration. The union proposed arbitration after the inconclusive sixth round of negotiations. This was the last resort to find a solution, said the union’s negotiator, Wolfgang Pieper.
With the proposal, Verdi says it wants to take holidaymakers and families into account during the Easter holiday travel. A spokeswoman for the aviation security company (BDLS) said the terms of the arbitration would be discussed in the next few days.
Verdi warned that without arbitration or without an acceptable arbitration result, further strikes could not be ruled out. Warning strikes by aviation security staff temporarily paralyzed several German airports last week. The staff checks passengers, staff and luggage at the entrances to the security area on behalf of the Federal Police. The sticking point in the negotiations for the approximately 25,000 employees of private security service providers is primarily the surcharges for overtime.
Employers presented an improved offer
“The employers have rigorously refused to respond to our demand for overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime onwards,” criticized Pieper after the fruitless round of negotiations.
According to their own statements, the employers presented a significantly improved offer. For employees, the latest proposal means around 556 euros more per month, explained the negotiator of the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS), Frank Haindl. In addition, the employers agreed to a change regarding the previous granting of overtime bonuses.
Verdi is demanding 2.80 euros more wages per hour, higher functional bonuses and overtime bonuses from the first overtime hour with a term of the collective agreement of twelve months. According to their own information, the employers have now offered 3.25 euros per hour for a term of 24 months with effect after 12 months.