Collective negotiations for public service: It is really tough

In the collective bargaining dispute over the public service of the federal government and the municipalities, unions and employers approach in tough conversations – but very slowly. According to reports, they have moved together in some points since Friday. However, an agreement was not foreseeable, it said. Failure is also not excluded.

The top group had sat together until early morning, a few hours later unions and employers first advised separately in their respective committees.

It is about money and working hours for around 2.5 million employees – from daycare to garbage disposal. The unions Verdi and DBB civil servant association originally demanded a tariff increase of eight percent, but at least 350 euros more per month, as well as at least three additional days a year.

They made new suggestions during Sunday. Employers, i.e. the Ministry of the Interior and the Association of the municipal employers’ associations VKA, also put figures on the table. Above all, the crux of the matter was the demand for more days off. The employers argue, then they might have to restrict services – for example daycare opening times.

The discussions started on Friday are already the third round of negotiations. If no result is achieved by the evening, a toilet would be possible. In that case there could be warning strikes again. It would also be conceivable that an independent arbitrator would be switched on to find a solution for stuck discussions.