Nationwide Public Sector Strikes Escalate With Focus on Pay Equity and Work Conditions

Verdi union intensifies efforts with strikes across public services and major airports, impacting millions ahead of critical wage negotiations.

Public sector workers in Germany, including those in childcare, healthcare, and social services, staged widespread strikes on Equal Pay Day to highlight pay inequities in female-dominated professions.
Verdi is demanding an 8% pay increase, a minimum monthly raise of €350, and three additional leave days for 2.5 million public sector employees.
Major disruptions are planned for Monday, March 10, with 11 airports, including Frankfurt and Berlin, set to halt operations due to a 24-hour strike, impacting over 500,000 passengers.
The strikes are part of ongoing pressure tactics ahead of the next round of wage negotiations with federal and municipal employers scheduled for March 14–16 in Potsdam.
Employers have criticized the strikes as disproportionate and claim Verdi's demands are financially unfeasible, while union leaders argue the actions are necessary to secure fair compensation.