Numerous letters and parcels in Germany will probably reach their destinations later than usual in the coming week. The reason for this is the warning strikes announced by the Verdi union for Monday and Tuesday in the current collective bargaining dispute with Deutsche Post.
Verdi announced on Sunday that employees were called on to walk out nationwide. The warning strikes would extend to selected businesses in all areas of work – letter and parcel centers and delivery. Protest rallies are planned in ten cities.
Verdi demands compensation for real wage losses and inflation
“This is again a crystal-clear signal to the employers: The employees are ready to fight for their demands and are now expecting a round of negotiations that will end with a strong salary increase,” said Andrea Kocsis, Deputy Verdi Chairwoman and chief negotiator. It is incomprehensible why such a successful company is not willing to compensate for the real wage losses of its employees as a result of inflation.
The union is demanding 15 percent more money for the approximately 160,000 employees with a contract term of one year. The Post board rejects the demand as unrealistic. “In order to be able to pay attractive wages and to secure jobs in this area in the long term, increases in income of the magnitude demanded by Verdi are not justifiable,” a spokesman had made clear.
The third round of negotiations will continue on February 8th and 9th in Düsseldorf. Swiss Post has announced that it will then submit an offer.