After the warning strike in Darmstadt, significant limitations are imposed
In a series of negotiations held in February 2023, Deutsche Post and ver.di, the major German trade union for service industries, discussed wages and working conditions. This round of talks was part of a broader trend of labour actions in Germany's public and service sectors, aimed at addressing inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
The discussions, which typically result in strikes or threatened strikes when agreements stall, saw ver.di demanding a 7% pay increase for employees, trainees, and dual students, with a 12-month contract term, and an additional 3 days of vacation each. However, employers stated that the employees' demands were not affordable during the negotiations.
In the second round of negotiations last Wednesday (23rd), there was hardly any movement. As a result, ver.di called for full-shift warning strikes, with approximately 13,000 employees participating nationwide. The strikes, which have continued until midnight, are expected to affect the parcel areas of Darmstadt mail center, Frankfurt, Kassel, and Rodgau parcel center, potentially leading to significant delays in delivery, even beyond Hesse.
The deputy chairperson of ver.di, Andrea Kocsis, stated that only with clear wage increases could employees cope with still-high living costs. Deutsche Post, in response, has urged ver.di to end the warning strikes and has announced it will present a corresponding offer in the next round of negotiations, scheduled for February 12th and 13th.
It is important to note that, as of mid-2025, there are no specific search results directly reporting on the results of these negotiations or their impact on delivery services in February 2023. For detailed, precise outcomes and impact specifics from the February 2023 round, you would need direct official statements from Deutsche Post or ver.di, or reputable news reports from that time.
In the past, such negotiations have led to wage increases, improved working conditions, and sometimes temporary strikes affecting mail and parcel delivery services, causing delays or disruptions. The ongoing dispute between Deutsche Post and ver.di serves as a reminder of the potential impact labour disputes can have on everyday services, such as parcel delivery.
The exact figures and impacts from the February 2023 round remain uncertain, but the ongoing negotiations underscore the ongoing efforts by workers and employers to find a fair and sustainable solution in the face of rising costs.
- The 'industry' of service industries, represented by ver.di, and employers like Deutsche Post discuss 'policy-and-legislation' and economic issues, such as wages and working conditions.
- The 'health-and-wellness' sector, including industry-wide wage increases, is a key focus of the negotiations in the workplace-wellness arena.
- The 'finance' sector, primarily banking and insurance, may experience consequences from potential delivery disruptions due to the strikes, affecting 'business', including 'fintech' companies.
- 'General-news' outlets report on the ongoing labor actions in the service and public sectors in Germany, aiming to address inflation and cost-living pressures.
- In the 'aerospace' industry, for instance, such strikes could significantly impact supply chain operations, given the reliance on timely deliveries.
- Political parties and key figures, including those involved in 'politics', will likely monitor these negotiations, as they could set precedents for other industries and unions seeking similar wage increases.
- Depending on the results of these negotiations, there may be 'science'-based studies conducted to analyze the long-term effects on the economy, labor market, and society.
