Wage Talks - Minister Warns Against Excessive Demands - Hesse public sector unions demand 7% pay hike amid inflation pressures
Public sector unions in Hesse are pushing for a 7% pay increase as wage talks begin this week. The demands have already sparked tension, with Interior Minister Roman Poseck calling them 'excessive'. Unions plan to protest outside the Interior Ministry in Wiesbaden before negotiations start on Friday.
The Police Union (GdP) is leading the call for higher wages, arguing that inflation has not been properly addressed. They also want an extra day of annual leave, a €200 monthly raise for trainees, and a Christmas bonus equal to a full month's salary. According to the GdP, officers face rising pressures, recruitment struggles, and a growing exodus of staff.
Poseck has warned that the state's budget is under severe strain. He insists talks must focus on a 'sustainable solution' rather than meeting all union demands. Despite the disagreement, further closed-door meetings are set for March 9–10 and March 26–27.
These negotiations cover Hesse's state employees, including teachers and civil servants, but remain separate from the federal TV-L deal agreed earlier in February. Unions like GEW and ver.di are also involved, though exact numbers of affected workers have not been confirmed.
The first round of talks begins on February 27, with unions already planning protests. If no agreement is reached, further discussions will continue in March. The outcome will determine pay and conditions for thousands of public sector workers in Hesse.
