Government employees in NRW, represented by ver.di, are advocating for a work stoppage in collaboration with federal and local authorities.
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the United Services Trade Union (ver.di NRW) is pressing for significant wage hikes and improved working conditions in ongoing public service negotiations with the federal government and municipalities. The sectors involved in these negotiations are wide-ranging, including airports, supply and disposal companies (municipal utilities), public transport, cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, theaters, and sports facilities (public swimming pools), municipal hospitals, kindergartens, and municipal waste disposal services.
Ver.di NRW has a history of advocating for wage increases and better working conditions in various sectors. In recent negotiations, they have pushed for pay rises in line with inflation and better working conditions, although some agreements have been criticized as insufficient by workers and observers.
One of the key demands in NRW's public service negotiations is a total wage increase of 2025 with a volume of eight percent, at least 350 euros more per month for wage increases, and higher allowances for stressful activities. Ver.di is also proposing the establishment of a "My Time Account" over which employees can dispose, providing more time sovereignty and flexibility. In addition, they are demanding three additional free days to counter the high workload density.
As a show of force, ver.di NRW is planning regional warning strikes, which will begin on February 5 and affect various sectors, including municipalities, federal agencies, public transport companies, kindergartens, savings banks, and municipal waste disposal services. The sectors involved in these strikes include municipal hospitals, savings banks, public transport, airports, supply and disposal companies (municipal utilities), municipal kindergartens, cultural institutions (museums, libraries, theaters), sports facilities (public swimming pools), and other services such as municipal waste disposal services.
The strikes aim to increase pressure on the ground due to a lack of personnel and high stress levels, as stated by Gabriele Schmidt, ver.di's regional leader. Furthermore, ver.di is demanding an increase in the training allowance and internship wages by 200 euros per month.
The current status of the NRW public service wage negotiations between ver.di NRW and the federal government/municipalities is not publicly available from the search results. For the most precise and current status of the NRW public service wage talks, consultation of ver.di NRW official communications or government negotiation updates would be necessary.
- Ver.di NRW has a history of advocating for wage increases and better working conditions across various industries, such as finance, retail, public-transit, and transportation.
- In addition to public services, ver.di NRW is also negotiating on behalf of business careers in sectors like banking and insurance, and fintech.
- The union's demands extend beyond wage hikes, reaching into policy and legislation, calling for reforms in war and conflicts, crime and justice, and general news sectors.
- The ongoing negotiations in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) could potentially impact various businesses, not just public services, such as savings banks and kindergartens.
- The proposed "My Time Account" could lead to innovations in business practices, promoting flexibility and time sovereignty, which could be adopted in other sectors outside of public services.
- The potential consequences of these negotiations and strikes could influence the overall business environment in NRW, possibly affecting sectors like culture and recreation, such as museums, libraries, theaters, and sports facilities.
- In the event of a dispute, the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future wage negotiations not only in NRW but also in other German states, potentially impacting a wide range of businesses and job sectors.
