"Mediation by Roland Koch: Strikes postponed temporarily"
The ongoing public sector wage negotiations have reached an impasse, as announced by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD). The conciliation process, aimed at resolving the income and working hours of 2.5 million employees in the federal government and municipalities, has failed to produce a comprehensive agreement.
The process, which took place at a secret location, was overseen by former Bremen finance senator Hans-Henning Lühr (SPD) and former Hessian minister president Roland Koch (CDU) as conciliators. The trade unions, Verdi and German Civil Service Federation, initially demanded an eight percent pay increase and at least 350 euros more per month.
However, the Association of Municipal Employers' Associations VKA and the Federal Ministry of the Interior deemed these demands unrealistic and unaffordable from the start. Progress was made in the third round of negotiations in Potsdam, but not enough from the employers' point of view.
Karin Welge, President of the Association of Municipal Associations in Germany, had expected costs of 15 billion euros distributed over two years. VKA President Welge also emphasised the importance of three additional free days per year for employees.
During the conciliation process, a peace obligation was in place, preventing strikes. If a result is achieved, the tariff parties will decide on April 5 whether to accept it. Despite the failure of the negotiations, the public sector wage conflict in Stuttgart, which initiated the conciliation process, remains unresolved.
As the negotiations continue, both parties will need to find a compromise that is fair and affordable for all involved. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for public sector employees across Germany.
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