There is movement again in the wage conflict in the public service of the federal government and the local authorities. The arbitration commission set up by employers and trade unions presented a settlement recommendation on Saturday.
According to this, the approximately 2.5 million employees are to receive tax-free inflation compensation of a total of 3,000 euros in several installments until February 2024. From March 1, 2024, the collective wages would then be raised in a second step by a base amount of 200 euros and then increased by 5.5 percent. The increase amount should reach at least 340 euros. The term should be 24 months. Different rules should apply to students, trainees and interns. They are to initially receive inflation compensation of EUR 620 and from July 2023 EUR 110 per month.
“The mix is a fair balance of interests, which of course also requires a lot of money.” said the chairman of the arbitration commission, Hans-Henning Lühr. The arbitrator appointed by the employer, Georg Milbradt, also supports the recommendation, in his words “despite the unusual amount”.
Strikes not yet averted, negotiations continue
The recommendation does not end the collective bargaining dispute. It is only the basis for the continuation of collective bargaining, which is scheduled to resume on April 22 in Potsdam. If no agreement can be reached there, the unions Verdi and the German Civil Service Union could initiate a ballot on indefinite strikes. Verdi and the dbb tariff union had demanded 10.5 percent more money, but at least 500 euros more per month, with a term of the collective agreement of twelve months.
Employers and unions had already fought in three rounds over the income of 2.5 million federal and local employees in the past few months. Affected are, among other things, educators of day-care centers, employees of garbage disposal and local transport companies, ground staff at airports and members of many other professions. In March, Verdi and the civil servants’ association dbb declared the talks to have failed. The Association of Municipal Employers’ Associations (VKA) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior then called for arbitration.