Union Boss: German Public Sector ‘Will Not Give In’ During Wage Fight

Berlin — German public sector employers must deliver clear concessions to workers before the launch of arbitration proceedings aimed at ending a months-long labour dispute that has caused widespread strikes, a top union official said.

"If the mediation is to be a success, the employers have to move," Frank Werneke, the head of the the German labour union Verdi, told Wednesday's edition of the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

"We will not bow to the employers and we will not give in."

A third round of wage negotiations covering 2.5 million federal and municipal employees failed last week. Public sector employers said arbitration proceeding would soon be initiated.

Previously chosen independent conciliators will now make a proposal for a solution within set deadlines. While the process is ongoing there will be no further strikes.

Verdi and the the civil servants' association dbb are demanding 10.5% more income, or at least €500 ($538) more per month, over a 12-month period.

Employers offered 8% more pay and a minimum of €300 more per month in the last round, according to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

Werneke said the union was going into the new talks with confidence and a constructive mindset. "But of course we are prepared for everything."

An entire range of public services have been affected by strikes, from kindergartens and hospitals, to public transportation, waste management and airports.

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