Wage dispute - Warning strike by port workers is extended
Before the fourth round of negotiations in the port industry wage dispute, the union Verdi is increasing the pressure: The warning strike of port workers in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden is expected to be expanded on Wednesday, Verdi announced. In addition to the employees in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, their colleagues in Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden are also called upon to join the strike.
Since early Tuesday morning, numerous port workers in Hamburg and Bremerhaven have been on a two-day warning strike. According to a spokesperson, around 800 people participated in Bremerhaven. The number of participants in Hamburg was initially unclear, but a spokesperson spoke of a high turnout.
The employees in Hamburg called on Verdi to continue the strike on Wednesday or to start a new one - and not before the end of the night shift. A demonstration is planned at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Central Association of German Seaports ZDS headquarters. Afterward, a demonstration procession is planned to lead from the HHLA logistics center to the union headquarters, where a closing rally is scheduled around noon.
In Emden, the strike is expected to begin early on Wednesday and end against 10:00 p.m. According to the union, employees in Bremen will lay down their work during the first shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), in Wilhelmshaven throughout Wednesday until the end of the first shift on Thursday (2:00 p.m.).
Verdi is demanding that employees receive a wage increase of three euros per hour retroactively from June 1, as well as a corresponding increase in shift allowances for a contract duration of twelve months. The Central Association of German Seaports last offered a wage increase of 2.9 percent from June 1, at least 80 cents more per hour. The shift allowances should reportedly 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 constructive negotiations so far and the fair offer presented, there is currently no justification for warning strikes that could endanger the reliability of German ports from the ZDS perspective," the spokesperson said.
The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Bremen. At the start of the negotiations, a rally is planned, a spokesperson for the union announced. There were already warning strikes in several North German ports in mid-June, including in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Brake, and Emden.
- Despite the ZDS's appeal for restraint, the United Services Union has shown no signs of backing down from the ongoing tariff dispute, which involves a wage increase of three euros per hour and improved shift allowances.
- The wage dispute has reached an impasse in Lower Saxony, with the Employer failing to meet the union's demands, prompting a series of warning strikes in ports such as Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven.
- The ports of Bremerhaven and Hamburg have witnessed significant disruptions due to the ongoing wage dispute and warning strikes, affecting the flow of goods and services, particularly in the harbor sector.
- The decision to expand the warning strike to Emden, Wilhelmshaven, and Bremen on Wednesday comes after the union's dissatisfaction with the latest offer from the Central Association of German Seaports ZDS.
- On Wednesday, port workers in Emden are expected to join the strike, potentially causing further delays and disruptions in the delivery of goods, mainly in the shipping and logistics industry.
- The tariff dispute between the union and the Employer is far from over, as both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with no signs of a resolution in sight.
- The United Services Union has been applauded by its members for standing firm in the negotiation round, despite the potential impact of the warning strike on their employment and livelihoods in the port industry.
- As the wage dispute enters its fourth round of negotiations in Bremen, the union Verdi and the Central Association of German Seaports ZDS are under pressure to find a compromise that will benefit both parties and ensure the smooth operation of the German ports.
