Germany's Verdi union has called 24-hour warning strikes at six major seaports beginning Monday evening, escalating a pay dispute that threatens cargo operations across the country's busiest maritime hubs. The walkouts will affect Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden and Brake.
The action follows a member ballot of more than 6,100 workers who rejected the latest employer offer. Verdi is demanding an 8.2 percent hourly wage increase for roughly 11,000 employees on a one-year contract term. The employers' association ZDS has countered with a 5.1 percent raise spread over 19 months, along with additional one-off payments including a 300-euro holiday bonus and 460 euros for workers at large container operations.
The gap between the two sides remains substantial, with the union insisting on a shorter contract duration to allow for quicker renegotiation amid persistent inflation.