The Verdi union and the civil servants’ association dbb are demanding 10.5 percent more income for federal and local employees – but at least 500 euros per month. According to information from the German Press Agency on Tuesday, this is a central component of the package of demands for the upcoming collective bargaining for the public sector. At the beginning of next year, around 2.5 million municipal and federal employees will be negotiated.
The unions justify the wage demand, among other things, with the high inflation. “Employees should be assured that they will not have to accept a loss in real wages,” said dbb boss Ulrich Silberbach. Verdi boss Frank Werneke had emphasized that in addition to inflation compensation, a strong focus should be placed on the lower salary brackets. “When determining the claim, a minimum amount will certainly also play an important role,” said Werneke to the dpa.
The Association of Municipal Employers’ Associations (VKA) had already called for restrained wage demands. Municipalities are under enormous financial pressure. Many municipalities have significant old debts. The investment backlog of the municipalities amounts to around 159 billion euros.
Warning strikes are considered likely given the different positions. For example, childcare workers or bus drivers could walk out as part of the collective bargaining dispute in winter, as was the case in previous collective bargaining rounds.
