On Thursday, German postal workers and employees of Deutsche Post began a strike over a pay dispute.
According to the dpa agency, these limited strikes are the latest in a series of protests organized by the Verdi union, demanding higher wages and additional paid leave for postal workers. Despite the strikes, postal services in Germany were not fully paralyzed, but the delivery of some parcels and letters was delayed.
Verdi is demanding a 7% wage increase and the addition of three extra days off for postal workers, citing the rising cost of living and the need to recover from increased workloads. Additionally, the union insists on the introduction of a fourth extra holiday for Verdi members.
Deutsche Post considers these demands financially impossible due to the current economic situation, the long-term decline in mail volumes, and the need for significant investments in new technologies.
According to Deutsche Post’s parent company, DHL, the possibilities for wage increases are extremely limited. Collective negotiations will continue on Wednesday.
