Absence of Consensus in Postal Discussions: Verdi turns down proposal - Post-discussions negotiation impasse: Verdi turns down proposal
Postal workers in Germany are vocalizing their concerns through strike actions, but it seems the postal service isn't meeting their demands yet. This situation is affecting even the ongoing postal voting process, and it appears the dispute is far from resolution. The latest round of negotiations over higher wages for approximately 170,000 postal employees resulted in no agreement, as announced by union Verdi in Kassel.
Initially, Deutsche Post proposed a wage increase of 1.8% in the first year of a 27-month collective bargaining agreement, followed by another 2% increase in the second year. Employees with fewer than 30 vacation days would receive an additional day off. This proposal, described as "fair and sustainable" by the company, applied to two-thirds of their employees in the letter and parcel sector.
However, Verdi highly criticized this offer, deeming it "completely inadequate." Verdi Vice Andrea Kocsis expressed strong disapproval, stating that employees would express their dissatisfaction with the offer through continued strikes, but not before the federal election to ensure a smooth postal voting process.
Verdi demands a substantial increase of 7% in a 12-month collective bargaining agreement, along with the addition of three extra vacation days. Union members should even be entitled to four extra vacation days. Verdi justifies these demands due to the escalating cost of living and the increased workload for postal workers.
Thomas Ogilvie, the head of personnel at Post, acknowledged the lack of an agreement and viewed Verdi's call for a fourth round of collective bargaining as a positive sign, indicating a genuine interest in reaching an agreement at the negotiating table. Post, however, suggested that the financial leeway for wage increases is extremely limited due to shrinking letter volumes, declining revenues, and increased energy and transport costs.
This wage dispute between Deutsche Post and Verdi is causing disruptions to the postal service in Germany, potentially leading to delivery delays. While there is no direct impact on the deadlines or process of the ongoing postal voting process for the federal election, indirect effects on mail services are possible.
The United Service Union, also known as Verdi, is leading the postal workers' protest against the proposed wage increase from Deutsche Post. Despite Verdi Vice Andrea Kocsis's warning that strikes may continue after the federal election to ensure a smooth postal voting process, the bargaining for higher wages of approximately 170,000 postal employees remains unresolved. The union's demands include a substantial increase of 7% in a 12-month collective bargaining agreement, along with the addition of four extra vacation days, to offset the escalating cost of living and increased workload.
