Wage dispute - Warning strike in the port of Hamburg continues
In the Hamburg harbor, employees of the port businesses have continued their two-day warning strike. "It's still the same, as we started. The container handling is affected," said André Kretschmar, the maritime economy responsible leader of the Verdi labor union branch, to the German Press Agency. In the morning, dockworkers and harbor workers plan to make their demands clear with a rally at the German Seaport Association (ZDS).
The union expects around 2,000 participants according to their own statements. Afterward, a demonstration march is planned to the headquarters of HHLA logistics workers, followed by the union house. The employees went on strike on Tuesday morning, and ports in Lower Saxony and Bremen were also affected. The fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Bremen.
Warning strikes also took place in several North German ports in mid-June, including Hamburg, Brake, and Emden. Dockworkers then also blocked the central access to the terminals in Bremerhaven, with only a skeleton crew on duty. Over 1,000 workers were involved according to Verdi.
Verdi is demanding that employees receive a €3 hourly wage increase for a contract term of twelve months, effective from June 1, 2023, as well as a corresponding increase in shift premiums. The ZDS recently offered a wage increase of 2.9%, at least €0.80 more per hour from June 1, 2023. Shift premiums should reportedly rise by 33 cents to €3.50.
Warning strikes took place in several North German ports in mid-June, including Hamburg, Brake, and Emden. Dockworkers then also blocked the central access to the terminals in Bremerhaven, with only a skeleton crew on duty. Over 1,000 workers were involved according to Verdi.
- The ongoing warning strike in the Port of Hamburg is causing disruptions in seaport operations, affecting container handling.
- The German Press Agency reported comments from André Kretschmar, a labor union leader, who stated that the situation remains unchanged since the strike began.
- The United Services Union, represented by Verdi, is planning a rally and demonstration in Hamburg on Thursday, aiming to voice their demands in the wage dispute.
- Bremen's ports were also affected by the strike, as over 2,000 workers are expected to participate in these events.
- The Harbor in Bremen will host the fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute on Thursday and Friday, where Verdi seeks a €3 hourly wage increase and corresponding shift premium adjustments.
- Tariffs may play a role in the wage dispute, as the ZDS recently proposed a wage increase of 2.9%, along with a shift premium boost of 33 cents, according to German media reports.
