There are no signs of a rapid breakthrough in collective bargaining for the federal and local public sector. The talks could drag on all day, according to negotiation circles in Potsdam. Employers and trade unions were therefore further apart in their positions.
Since Monday, both sides have been wrestling in Potsdam in their third round of negotiations about the incomes of 2.5 million employees. After talks and an interruption during the night, Verdi and the civil servants’ association dbb continued their talks with the Association of Municipal Employers’ Associations (VKA) and the federal government in the morning.
It was eagerly awaited to see whether a breakthrough would come today. If both sides in Potsdam are unable to reach a compromise, the trade unions could hold a strike ballot on forced strikes. However, it is also possible that arbitration will be initiated or that another round of negotiations will be scheduled.
The Verdi union and the civil servants’ association dbb are demanding 10.5 percent more income, but at least 500 euros more per month. In the past few weeks, the unions had paralyzed public transport, but also daycare centers, clinics and garbage disposal with massive warning strikes.
