German Port Workers End 24-Hour Warning Strike

During the night of Tuesday, July 18, the warning strike called by port workers in Germany concluded. The demonstration extended across the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden, and Brake; lasting for 24 hours.

According to the United Services Union (Verdi), they are demanding "an 8.2% increase in the hourly wage, with a minimum of 2.50 euros per hour, for a 12-month contract. This minimum increase aims to particularly strengthen the situation of low and middle-income workers."

Furthermore, it was indicated that "a large majority of employees had rejected the current offer from the Central Association of German Port Operators (ZDS) in a survey. More than 6,100 employees participated in the feedback round, which lasted a week."

The aforementioned ZDS offer includes a 5.1% wage increase, an additional 330 euros in holiday pay, and an increase of 460 euros in the lump sum.

In this regard, Sylvi Krisch, Verdi negotiator, stated that "this signal to employers that we are serious about our wage demands is clearly urgent. Port workers are willing and able to fight for their demands in an act of solidarity."

According to local reports, the demonstration mobilized approximately 11,000 workers, who blocked land and rail access to the aforementioned maritime stations.