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Verdi demo in Potsdam: on strike
Photo: Britta Pedersen / dpa
Germany is threatened with increased warning strikes in the public services of the federal states: After the unsuccessful second round of negotiations for the more than one million collective bargaining employees, the Verdi union has announced strikes.
"We don't waste our time for days to hear a stoic no from the employers' side to all of the demands of the employees," said Verdi boss Frank Werneke.
As a sad highlight, no offer had been made.
"Anyone who provokes strikes shouldn't be surprised if they get them," emphasized the trade unionist.
"The collective bargaining association of the German states bears sole responsibility for the consequences of the coming strikes."
The unions are demanding an increase in income of five percent for employees in the public service of the federal states, but at least 150 euros over a period of twelve months.
Healthcare workers are to receive an additional 300 euros per month in the form of a table.
The training allowances are to be increased by 100 euros.
The chairman of the Beamtenbund dbb, Ulrich Silberbach, said at the end of the two-day second round: "Those were two lost days and if the finance ministers of the federal states continue like this, they will drive the negotiations completely up against the wall." Before the last state collective agreement schools, vocational schools, state clinics, daycare centers and offices were partially paralyzed with warning strikes two years ago.
Negotiations are to take place in Potsdam at the end of November.
mic / Reuters / dpa
