Wage dispute - Verdi: High participation in warning strikes by port workers
Before the fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute at the port industries, the union Verdi is increasing the pressure. Employees in Emden have been on strike since 6:00 am this morning, according to a union spokesperson. The warning strike is supposed to last there until tonight (22:00 hours). In Bremerhaven, the strike is also continuing, and the measures are supposed to be continued there until tonight. In Wilhelmshaven, the strike is reportedly supposed to end on Thursday morning. The union is speaking of high participation in the protest.
Verdi is demanding that employees be given a wage increase of three euros per hour retroactively from June 1, in addition to a corresponding increase in shift allowances. The Central Association of German Port Authorities (ZDS) last offered a wage increase of 2.9 percent as of June 1, at least 80 cents more per hour. Shift allowances are supposed to increase by 33 cents to 3.50 euros.
The ZDS urged the union to exercise restraint in the use of the right to strike. "In light of the previously constructive negotiation rounds and the fair offer presented, there is currently no justification for warning strikes that could endanger the reliability of German ports from the perspective of the ZDS."
The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Bremen. Already in mid-June, there were warning strikes in several North German ports, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Brake, and Emden.
- The ongoing tariff dispute between Verdi and the Central Association of German Port Authorities (ZDS) has led to a tariff dispute-related warning strike in several North German seaports, including Bremen's ports of Emden and Bremerhaven, as well as Wilhelmshaven.
- The United Services Union, a part of Verdi, has issued a warning striking notice, citing the need for a tariff increase of three euros per hour, retroactive to June 1, and an enhancement in shift allowances, in their wage dispute with the ZDS.
- The warning strike in Emden, which started at 6:00 am this morning, is expected to continue until 22:00 hours tonight, being joined by similar strikes in Bremerhaven and possibly Wilhelmshaven, apparently with high participation from port employees.
- The ZDS, in response to the union's warning strike, has expressed concerns about the potential impact on the reliable seaport operations in Lower Saxony and the entire country, requesting the trade union to reconsider the use of the right to strike.
- The fourth round of negotiations between Verdi and ZDS is scheduled to take place in Bremen on Thursday and Friday, aiming to find a resolution in the ongoing wage dispute that has led to the current state of affairs in several North German ports.
- If no agreement is reached during the negotiation round, potential strikes in ports such as Emden, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven could extend, posing significant challenges to the efficient operation of seaports in Germany.
- With the ongoing tariff dispute and potential continuation of strikes, there are concerns about the ability to maintain the smooth flow of cargo and trade between Germany and other countries, potentially affecting business activities in various sectors in the region.
