On January 28, 2025, employees of Deutsche Post, Germany's national postal service, initiated a nationwide warning strike, motivated by demands for higher wages amid rising living costs. The union Verdi called for this strike, urging employees to participate fully, which is expected to result in significant delays and disruptions to mail and package deliveries across the country.
Specific strike actions were reported across major cities, most prominently affecting places such as Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, and Erfurt, as well as key locations like Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Munich. Verdi Vice Andrea Kocsis explained the rationale for the strike, citing the lack of substantial progress during prior negotiations, which had failed to yield satisfactory results. "We mean it seriously, and we are ready to fight for our demands," Kocsis stated, reinforcing the union’s stance on pressing for improved working conditions.
Verdi has demanded not only a wage increase of seven percent for postal workers but also additional vacation days, which the postal service has resisted. The company has indicated financial constraints as the primary reason against meeting these demands. A spokesperson for Deutsche Post noted the company faces high investment costs and declining volumes of mail, prompting them to deem such increases as financially unviable. The postal service reported experiencing up to 10.5% rises in mailing rates for standard letters since the beginning of the year, with the cost now at 95 cents per letter from the previous 85 cents.
The current warning strike is set to last for 24 hours, according to Verdi, commencing on the morning of January 28 and concluding the following morning. The union organized these strikes strategically among various metropolitan locations to maximize impact and visibility, stressing the urgent need for wage negotiations to reflect the pressures faced by their workers.
A significant number of employees, estimated at around 800, are expected to participate from Berlin alone, with over 170,000 workers associated with the Deutsche Post's operations spread across Germany. Other major areas impacted include North Rhine-Westphalia, which has seen strikers at multiple distribution centers.
"Only with substantial wage increases for the employees can the still high cost of living be tackled," Kocsis emphasized, illustrating the urgency faced by workers as living expenses continue to rise. The union’s request for increased vacation time is also aimed at enhancing the work-life balance of its members.
Notably, as the strike progresses, customers hoping to receive mail or packages may experience notable delays. Verdi has cautioned the public to remain patient during these disruptions. The organization has also indicated the potential for additional strikes if upcoming negotiations scheduled for February 12 and 13 yield insufficient outcomes.
This current industrial action is yet another reflection of the growing unrest within labor markets, particularly as companies are consistently pressed between operational costs and employee demands for fair wages and work conditions. The outpouring of support and participation during this strike could signal shifts toward more rigorous negotiations moving forward.
Verdi’s leadership believes negotiating firmly on these terms is especially pertinent to addressing the fluctuated economic conditions and ensuring fair compensation for their workforce. The outcome of these negotiations may prove pivotal, not only for the employees of Deutsche Post but also for setting precedents within the broader labor market across various sectors.
Your patience during this period of adjustment with postal services is greatly appreciated, as both sides remain committed to finding common ground through continued dialogue.