Negotiations for a new contract covering up to 11,000 port workers at Germany’s main seaports have once again faltered. The union, ver.di, has initiated a vote to seek authorization for an indefinite strike after a representative group rejected the latest proposals from the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS). Contract talks, which began in late July, have centered around wage increases, with the union demanding an 8.2 percent hike over a year, while employers initially proposed a 5.3 percent increase, along with a one-time payment.
Despite ZDS offering two new options last week—one for a 3.4 percent increase retroactive to August 1, and another for 5.1 percent over 18 months—these were swiftly rejected by the union. Ver.di represents workers from major ports including Hamburg and Bremen, who have been without a contract since July 31. The union emphasizes the rising risks in the workplace, citing increased drone activity and existing hazards associated with heavy loads and hazardous materials.
Ver.di is conducting a membership vote until October 1, with plans to strike if 75 percent reject the current offer. Previous “warning strikes” have already taken place, including a 24-hour strike initiated after the second round of negotiations. A strike could severely disrupt operations at Germany’s seaports, which are already facing congestion issues, worsened by recent strikes in Dutch ports.
