Nationwide Public Sector Strikes Escalate Ahead of Key Wage Negotiations

Verdi mobilizes tens of thousands of workers across Germany to demand higher wages, better working conditions, and additional leave days.

Public sector workers in Germany, organized by the Verdi union, have initiated widespread strikes ahead of the third round of wage negotiations set to begin on Friday in Potsdam.
Verdi is demanding an 8% wage increase, or at least €350 more per month, alongside higher shift work bonuses and three additional leave days for approximately 2.5 million workers.
The strikes have disrupted services nationwide, including public transportation, childcare facilities, waste collection, and healthcare institutions, with thousands of workers participating in cities like Rostock, Hanover, and Augsburg.
Union leaders emphasize that the strikes aim to address severe staffing shortages in the public sector, with an estimated 500,000 unfilled positions nationwide.
Further strikes and demonstrations are planned in the coming days, with Verdi warning of potential unending strikes depending on the outcome of the current negotiations.