Transport of money and valuables: Verdi threatens a cash strike during the Christmas business

Empty ATMs and no cash service for shops – this is the scenario the Verdi union is threatening for Christmas. In the collective bargaining dispute in the German transport of cash and valuables, employees could go on strike as early as Wednesday (December 18th) if a compromise is not found with the employers on Tuesday.

The negotiating partners are meeting at Frankfurt Airport to find a solution to the protracted collective bargaining dispute for around 10,000 employees. The affected union members had previously rejected the status of the negotiations, which Verdi had put to the vote after six rounds and numerous warning strikes. The collective bargaining commission agreed with the 66.9 percent no votes.

Around three weeks ago, the Federal Association of German Money and Valuable Services (BDGW) offered wage increases that would be between 5.4 percent and 7.12 percent over a two-year period, depending on the federal state. There should also be a fixed annual one-off payment. BDGW negotiator Hans-Jörg Hisam described the offer with other collective tariff topics as a “very good overall package”.

“The negotiations on Tuesday are the last chance to avert strikes before Christmas,” says Verdi negotiator Sonja Austermühle. Otherwise, the strikes would lead to cash transports being canceled and ATMs not being filled. Austermühl asked the citizens for their understanding. “Without renewed pressure there will be no improved offer from employers.”

Employer: Massive damage

BDGW negotiator Hisam warns of a labor dispute: “With strikes during the Christmas season, which is known to be the time of the year with the highest sales, the union would cause massive and lasting damage to our companies. Such damage would inevitably have an impact on the employees.”