Public Service Workers in Germany Strike Over Pay and Conditions

Nationwide protests demand higher wages and better working conditions as negotiations with employers stall.

The public service strike, led by Verdi and the Beamtenbund, impacts over 2.5 million workers across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation.
Key demands include an 8% salary increase, a minimum of €350 more per month, and additional vacation days for employees.
Municipal employers argue the demands are financially unsustainable, citing strained budgets and high levels of debt across many cities.
The strike follows a lack of proposals from employers in the second round of negotiations, with further disruptions expected if no agreement is reached.
The strike occurs against the backdrop of a tragic attack on a Verdi demonstration in Munich, where two people were killed, prompting calls for solidarity and reflection.