Third Round of Public Sector Wage Negotiations Begins in Potsdam

Talks for 2.5 million workers continue as unions demand pay hikes and better conditions, while employers warn of financial constraints.

The third round of negotiations for public sector wages, covering 2.5 million employees, began in Potsdam on Friday, with no initial offer from employers.
Unions Verdi and Beamtenbund are demanding an 8% pay increase or at least €350 more per month, alongside three additional vacation days to address workload concerns.
Employers, represented by the Vereinigung Kommunaler Arbeitgeberverbände (VKA), argue that significant pay increases could strain municipal budgets and hinder hiring for unfilled positions.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement by Sunday, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and compromise.
With 570,000 public sector positions currently unfilled, union leaders stress the urgency of improving working conditions to attract and retain employees.