German public-sector unions demand 7% wage hike to ease staff shortages
Public-sector unions in Germany have called for higher wages to tackle staff shortages and economic struggles. Verdi and the civil service federation are pushing for a 7% pay rise—or at least €300 more per month—for 2.2 million employees. Union leaders argue that better pay would boost purchasing power and help stabilise the economy.
Frank Werneke, head of Verdi, made the demand clear: workers expect more than just inflation adjustments. The union insists that competitive wages are essential to fill hundreds of thousands of vacant public-sector roles. Without improvements, they warn, strikes could follow.
Negotiations are ongoing, with the second round scheduled for mid-January. Verdi has urged employers to present a realistic offer then. If progress stalls, the union may struggle to reach an agreement in the third round, set for February. Hesse, however, is not part of these wage talks. The focus remains on federal and local government employers across most of Germany.
The unions’ push for higher pay aims to address both staff shortages and economic challenges. If employers fail to meet demands, industrial action could disrupt public services. The outcome of January’s negotiations will determine whether a deal is possible by February.
