Transport of money and valuables
Negotiations about cash supply have begun
During the busiest shopping days before Christmas, Verdi threatened strikes on cash supplies. An agreement could still avoid bottlenecks.
Whether there could be a shortage of cash at the ATMs at Christmas will be decided during a collective bargaining session in Frankfurt. The Verdi union and the German money and valuables transport employers met at the airport to discuss the working conditions of around 10,000 money messengers. In the event of failure, Verdi is threatening a strike lasting several days, which could begin as early as this Wednesday (December 18th).
Verdi: Machines could run empty
Verdi negotiator Sonja Austermühle is already warning customers about the effects: “This can lead to ATMs running empty and there will also be bottlenecks in the supply of cash in retail stores. Anyone who wants to give away cash gifts for Christmas or would like to buy presents should do so now take care of it in a timely manner.”
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.
Employer: Massive damage
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 Hisam has warned 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.”
dpa
Source: Stern
