Protests initiated after Verdi's strike action are extended for an additional two days - Verdi prolongs post-conflict work stoppage for an additional two days
The ongoing tussle at the post office remains a hot topic - Warning strikes are once again causing havoc, disrupting the delivery of letters and packages. The union, Verdi, is ramping up the pressure ahead of the next round of talks. Verdi is continuing with warning strikes at Deutsche Post on Friday and Saturday. Across the nation, postal workers, parcel delivery staff, and logistics employees in service branches are being called to temporary work stoppages at selected locations, as Verdi announced[1].
In the past week, Verdi had already instigated warning strikes at parcel centers nationwide, while delivery and service branch employees were on strike on Thursday.
"With these expanded warning strikes this week, employees in the operations are showing that they expect more from their employer," said Andrea Kocsis, deputy Verdi chairperson and lead negotiator. In the upcoming negotiations next week, an improved offer that is conducive to agreement is anticipated[1].
Union stands firm on substantial wage hike
Verdi is aggressively pushing for a seven percent wage increase in a twelve-month collective bargaining agreement that would cover around 170,000 postal workers, parcel delivery workers, and other logistics employees. Deutsche Post, which is part of DHL, is proposing an initial increase of 1.8 percent, followed by another 2.0 percent in a 27-month contract[1].
Verdi also advocates for three extra vacation days to account for the increased workload. Verdi members would even get an additional day, bringing their total to four more vacation days. However, Deutsche Post is only offering one extra vacation day for employees with less than 30 vacation days a year, which is approximately two-thirds of the workforce[1].
Negotiations continue on Monday
The three previous rounds of negotiations have ended without a resolution. The fourth round of talks is slated for Monday[1]. In recent weeks, Verdi has repeatedly called for warning strikes in different areas, both in parcel and letter delivery, leading to delays in shipment delivery in some locations[1].
[1] Enrichment data: The ongoing labor dispute between Verdi and Deutsche Post involves significant demands from the union and has resulted in strikes affecting postal and parcel delivery services across Germany. Here is the current status and key demands:
- Current Status: Verdi has been conducting warning strikes at various Deutsche Post locations, including mail centers and parcel facilities. These strikes have caused delays in mail and parcel delivery, impacting a substantial portion of the daily volume. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no agreement has been reached, with the fourth round of talks scheduled soon[1][3][5].
- Key Demands: Verdi is demanding a seven percent wage increase for approximately 170,000 employees. This increase is sought in a collective agreement that would last only twelve months. The union is also seeking three additional vacation days for all employees, with Verdi members potentially receiving an extra day, bringing their total to four extra days.
- Response from Deutsche Post: Deutsche Post has expressed concerns about the financial feasibility of the proposed wage increases, citing declining traditional mail volumes and significant investment needs[1][3]. The postal service has offered an initial increase of 1.8 percent and a further 2.0 percent in a 27-month agreement, which Verdi considers inadequate.
The ongoing strike actions by Verdi at various Deutsche Post locations, including parcel centers, have resulted in significant delays of up to a certain percentage in mail and parcel delivery. Despite the ongoing tussle, Verdi is pressing for a wage increase of seven percent for over 170,000 postal workers and logistics employees, while Deutsche Post proposes a less substantial increase of 1.8 percent initially. Verdi has also demanded three additional vacation days, but Deutsche Post is only offering an extra day to two-thirds of its workforce.
