Postal Workers Strike Pressures Deutsche Post Ahead of Key Wage Negotiations

With over 27,000 workers participating in nationwide strikes, Verdi demands a 7% pay increase and better working conditions as Deutsche Post aims to address delivery backlogs.

Nationwide strikes by Deutsche Post workers disrupted up to 12% of daily mail and package deliveries, leaving significant backlogs to be cleared this week.
The fourth round of wage negotiations begins today, with Verdi pushing for a 7% pay increase over a 12-month contract and improved benefits such as additional vacation days.
Deutsche Post has so far proposed a 27-month contract with phased pay increases totaling 3.8%, an offer Verdi has criticized as insufficient to address inflation and rising costs.
Union leaders cite high worker participation in the strikes—27,000 participants over several days—as a strong signal of dissatisfaction with current conditions and pay levels.
The physical demands of postal work and a record-high sickness rate among employees underscore calls for better compensation and working conditions.