Germany is bracing for significant unrest as the third and final round of negotiations for public service workers begins on March 14, 2025, amid intensified warnings from unions representing these employees. The ver.di union has sharply escalated its efforts with widespread warning strikes, aiming to pressure the federal government and municipalities as both sides prepare to confront key demands after previous talks ended with no resolution.
Since March 12, public sector employees have taken to the streets, with protests impacting public transport and services nationwide. Notably, 1,500 participants rallied in Rostock, illustrating the growing discontent among workers facing immense workloads and the looming shadow of labor shortages. The union's decisive actions follow recent data showing 78.1% of these employees are burdened by staffing challenges, with 63.4% reporting excessively high workloads. "More than ever, our country relies on a strong and effective public service. But the federal government and municipalities seem unaware of this. They wasted significant time without presenting any offers during the initial two negotiating rounds," said Volker Geyer, dbb's lead negotiator, expressing frustration at the lack of progress.
These strikes have resulted in 3,400 canceled flights across 13 German airports during previous actions, affecting around 510,000 passengers. Strikes have also disrupted care facilities, childcare centers, and waste management services. With significant participation across various sectors, the workers' grievances reflect both practical concerns about working conditions and broader social issues relating to job satisfaction and compensation.
Geyer emphasized, "It is disrespectful to the employees and dismissive of the gravity of the situation – 570,000 current jobs unfilled and 1.4 million retirements projected to occur over the next decade show the government cannot afford to ignore its workforce any longer." His comments highlight the increase of workers requesting substantial wage increases and other reforms, including at least 8% more pay or a minimum of 350 euros additional monthly compensation.
Meanwhile, Frank Werneke, the chair of ver.di, criticized the employers for failing to present any concrete offer during past discussions and indicated something must change before negotiations proceed. "These are not good conditions for achieving resolution during the next round of discussions," he asserted. Werneke confirmed the union's commitment to fighting for rights which focus on improved pay and conditions.
On the negotiation table, ver.di is demanding not only wage increases but also higher allowances for shift work and three additional days off. For trainees and interns, the proposed increases stand at 200 euros monthly.反
Contrasting with the union's proposals, the employers represented by the VKA have labeled the demands as financially unfeasible, claiming acceptance of the union's request would impose additional burdens of nearly 15 billion euros per year on municipal employers. Deputy CEO Niklas Benrath argued for the need to balance employee demands against organizational capabilities, stating, "The broad and sweeping strike actions already inflict significant economic strain on cities already grappling with the prolonged effects of the pandemic."
Public sentiment reveals considerable support for the unions' objectives, with over 85% of surveyed public administration employees endorsing pay increases to meet rising living costs. Many surveyed also expressed desire for improvements such as three extra days off and reduced work periods for physically demanding jobs. Data indicates almost 80% reported delays or failures to fill job positions, leading to increased workloads.
Further complicate matters, the ver.di union plans to conduct preliminary strike ballots aimed at reviewing the possibility of indefinite strikes should current negotiations falter. "While strikes should be used sparingly, we will not hesitate to take this step if our voices continue to go unheeded," said Andreas Henke, spokesperson for ver.di.
With the recent warning strikes serving as both preparation and pressure tactics, all eyes will be on the negotiations starting March 14, during which both parties must confront the reality of unresolved worker grievances and institutional limitations. The potential for extended and indefinite strikes hangs heavily, reminding public service authorities of the fragility of public trust and workforce morale.