Public Sector Wage Talks Continue Without Resolution

Negotiations for 2.5 million public employees face delays as unions and employers struggle to bridge gaps over pay and working conditions.

The third round of public sector wage negotiations in Potsdam has extended beyond its planned conclusion, with no agreement yet reached.
Unions Verdi and dbb Beamtenbund are demanding an 8% pay raise or at least €350 more per month, along with three additional vacation days annually.
Employers argue the union demands are unaffordable, estimating the cost to municipalities alone at €15 billion per year.
Both sides report some progress, but significant differences remain, particularly around the unions' call for more vacation days.
If talks fail, options include a fourth negotiation round, a declaration of failure leading to arbitration, or renewed public sector warning strikes.