Dispute over more money: Verdi expands warning strikes at Deutsche Post

In the wage dispute with Deutsche Post AG, the service union Verdi is increasing the pressure and is calling on employees in letter, parcel and combined delivery at selected locations and in service branches nationwide to go on warning strikes on Thursday. On the night of Wednesday, Verdi had already called on employees in the parcel centers to go on warning strikes.

"The offer that the employers presented in the third round of negotiations is completely inadequate. If accepted, it would mean a noticeable reduction in real wages for employees," said Andrea Kocsis, Verdi deputy chairwoman and negotiator. An improved offer must be put on the table in the fourth round of negotiations next week.

Verdi is demanding a seven percent increase in wages in a collective agreement that will only run for twelve months and would apply to around 170,000 postmen, parcel carriers and other logistics employees. The postal service, which belongs to DHL, is offering an increase of 1.8 percent initially and later a further 2.0 percent in a 27-month contract.

Verdi is also insisting on three extra days of vacation to take account of the increased workload. Verdi members will even get four. The post office, on the other hand, only offers one extra day of vacation for employees who have fewer than 30 days of vacation per year - that is, around two thirds of the workforce.

The three rounds of negotiations so far have not produced any results; the fourth round is planned for Monday. The post office stressed that the aim is to reach a result at the negotiating table.

In recent weeks, Verdi has repeatedly called for warning strikes in various sectors, whether in the parcel or letter sector. In some places, this led to significant delays in the delivery of shipments.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:250227-930-388321/1