Association of civil servants threatens "widespread strikes" in the public sector

Shortly before the start of collective bargaining for federal and local employees, the head of the German Association of Civil Servants (DBB), Ulrich Silberbach, threatened strikes by the employees. "It will be full of conflict," said Silberbach of the "Rheinische Post". Employers still haven't understood that they have to do something for employees during the crisis.

"The way I'm interpreting the employers' statements, it won't stop with the obligatory warning strikes. Because if they continue to put the brakes on like this, I don't rule out area strikes," said the DBB boss. Then it gets "really uncomfortable".

Collective bargaining for the 2.5 million federal and local public sector workers begins on January 24 and is expected to run through the end of March. The trade unions DBB and Verdi are in talks with the core demand of 10.5 percent more income, but at least there should be 500 euros more per month for all employees.

The energy price brakes are far from sufficient, the intensification of work in the public sector is progressing, said Silberbach of the "Rheinische Post". “We will never earn as well as the private sector. But the scissors must not spread too far.”

In the most recent collective bargaining round for the federal and local governments in 2020, clinics, daycare centers, local transport and savings banks were affected by strikes and protests. However, the warning strikes at the time were comparatively moderate, which was also attributed to the precautionary measures taken due to the corona pandemic.