Tariff dispute: Negotiations in the public service have failed for the time being

The collective bargaining for the public service of the federal government and municipalities failed for the time being. In the tariff dispute, independent arbitrators will now search for a solution. This was announced by the federal negotiator, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), in Potsdam. Warning strikes must not exist during the arbitration.

Since Friday, the third round of negotiations has been running for more than 2.5 million people who work in clinics or daycare centers, airports or local transport, baths or care facilities, clarification or waste companies. The majority is employed according to the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD), usually the conclusion is later transferred to civil servants. Employees of the federal states are not affected, for which negotiations are made separately.

For the employees, the unions and the DBB civil servants originally demanded a tariff increase of eight percent, but at least 350 euros more per month. They also wanted to enforce at least three additional days. This was too expensive for the employers of the federal government and municipalities. Finally, it was said that the employer offered an increase in fees by 5.5 percent as well as a higher 13th monthly salary and higher layer allowances. The term remained open.

The required three days off was also a sticking point. Negotiation circles said that the employers had brought an election model for employees to conversation with which parts of the annual special payment could be converted into free days. We were talking about a “Zeit-Statt money model”. Employers ‘negotiators were Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser (SPD) and the President of the Association of Municipal Employers’ Associations (VKA), Karin Welge.

After the talks have failed, simple ones are now on the move to convey between both sides. Employers have named the former Hessian Prime Minister Roland Koch (CDU). As a “voting” arbitrator, he could be the decisive factor for a compromise. For the employee side, the former Bremen Finance Councilor Hans-Henning Lührer should become Schlichter.

There was also such a procedure for the previous negotiations for the employees of the federal and municipalities in 2023. In arbitration, attempts are made to help you make a breakthrough with the help of independent arbitrators. Warning strikes are then off the table for a certain time – during the arbitration there is an obligation to peace.