Collective bargaining in the public sector: That’s what it’s all about today | NDR.de – News

Collective bargaining for the federal and local public sector will continue today in Potsdam on the basis of the result of the arbitration. The Federal Ministry of the Interior announced this on Tuesday. According to this, the remuneration for the employees of the federal government and the municipal employers whose employment relationships are regulated by the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD) are negotiated. On the other hand, civil servants, judges and soldiers do not negotiate.

Mediation proposal: 5.5 percent more money and one-off payment

The arbitrators used by employers and trade unions propose a base amount of 200 euros and a subsequent increase of 5.5 percent – at least 340 euros. This should apply from March 2024. Even before this, the employees are to be paid a staggered amount of EUR 3,000 in compensation for inflation. The arbitration recommendation provides for a term of 24 months with effect from January 2023.

Ver.di: Arbitration award only basis for new negotiations

How is this compromise proposal received by the social partners? The arbitral award will first be assessed, said Tobias Morchner, spokesman for the ver.di Lower Saxony-Bremen district, to NDR Lower Saxony. Everything else then happens at the negotiating table. During the time of arbitration, there is a peace obligation. Andrea Wemheuer, head of the ver.di Lower Saxony-Bremen district, says the same thing. She sees no result in the arbitration, but only a basis on which further negotiations must now be carried out. Frank Zitka, spokesman for the civil servants’ association dbb, did not want to comment on the arbitration commission’s proposal. Both employers and employees will initially be discussed in their committees this week.

Employers describe demands as unaffordable

In March had each other in Lower Saxony, thousands involved in the nationwide warning strike by the trade unions ver.di and EVG, but at the end of three rounds of negotiations on public sector salaries there was no agreement. In three rounds of negotiations, trade unions and employers had so far negotiated the incomes of 2.5 million employees without a result. Ver.di and the civil servants’ association dbb had demanded 10.5 percent more income, but at least 500 euros more per month. According to the union, this amount is intended to compensate for the high inflation for people with lower incomes. The employers rejected the demands of the unions as unaffordable. According to Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), they offered eight percent more income and a minimum amount of 300 euros and a one-off payment of 3,000 euros. They want a term of 27 months.

Collective bargaining: agreement or indefinite strike?

The arbitration could result in an agreement if both sides accept the arbitration award. According to ver.di, if the negotiations on the Commission’s recommendation fail, there could be a forced strike in the public sector for the first time in 31 years.

Ver.di is already looking for strike helpers

The union is already preparing to hold a strike ballot on an indefinite strike. All companies are looking for strike helpers who will approach and question their colleagues in the event of a ballot being held in their companies and departments.

Further information

The salaries in the employers’ association for local transport (AVN) are thus further aligned with those in the public sector. (04/02/2023) more

After the warning strike in public transport, on the train and at Hanover Airport, everyday life returns. Trains are moving again. (03/28/2023) more

Employees of many municipal hospitals in Lower Saxony also stopped work on Thursday. (03/23/2023) more

In many places, daycare centers, savings banks and libraries were closed. Waste collectors did not pick up the garbage again. (03/16/2023) more