Public Sector Unions Demand 8% Pay Increase Amid Tense Negotiations

With the current contract expiring soon, unions push for higher wages to address workforce shortages, while employers warn of budget constraints.

Unions representing 2.5 million public sector workers are demanding an 8% salary increase or at least €350 more per month.
The unions argue that the pay hike is necessary to maintain purchasing power and attract more workers to the public sector.
Employers, represented by the VKA, claim the demands are unrealistic given current economic conditions and could cost up to €14.9 billion.
The proposed negotiations are set to begin in January 2025, with potential impacts on various public services if agreements are not reached.
Previous negotiations in 2023 resulted in significant pay increases, but unions assert more is needed to match private sector competitiveness.