German ports' Verdi union seeks 8.2% wage raise for 11,000 workers

Around 11,000 employees in the north‑German sea ports have begun collective‑bargaining talks in Hamburg. The Verdi union, represented by negotiator Sylvi Krisch, is demanding an 8.2 % pay increase – at least €2.50 per hour – citing higher container‑handling revenues and rising living costs. The employers’ association, the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS), says it expects constructive negotiations and wants to build on last year's agreement that delivered a 3.1 % raise and one‑off payments. The first round of talks ended without a deal, with Krisch warning that “this time it won’t be as easy.” Negotiations are set to resume on 5‑6 August in Bremerhaven, while the union stresses the need for a clear pay uplift, especially for lower‑paid groups.

The dispute follows previous rounds that sometimes required many meetings and strike actions, highlighting the sector’s importance for Germany’s logistics and trade.