Warning strike in Wandsbek: ver.di is fighting for higher wages at Stilbruch!

Warning strike in Wandsbek: ver.di is fighting for higher wages at Stilbruch!

Today is all about the labor dispute in Hamburg: On July 14, 2025, the United Services Union (ver.di) is calling for a warning strike at Stilbruch-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH. This takes place in front of the branches in Altona and Wandsbek. The aim of the campaign is better wages, as negotiations for a new collective wage agreement have been stalled for some time. verdi reports that around 70 employees earn an average of only 2,550 euros gross per month - that is around 600 euros less than street cleaning workers from the Hamburg city cleaning department receive.

Ver.di is demanding an increase in fees of 500 euros per month for a period of 12 months. Despite the increase in the public service, which around 2.5 million employees will soon experience, the employers are offering an offer that remains below the level of the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD) and similar city cleaning subsidiaries. The approximately 70 employees of the Stilbruch operating company will gather in front of the branch in Wandsbek from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to advocate for their demands, with Babis Ganotis speaking at 11:00 a.m. and offering interviews.

Context of collective bargaining

The current collective bargaining in the public sector is the result of years of struggle for fair wages. As early as May 12, 2025, ver.di's Federal Tariff Commission approved the previous collective bargaining agreement. This provides for salary increases of 3% from April 1, 2025 and a further 2.8% from May 1, 2026 staatsanzeiger. In view of these developments, it is clear that the collective bargaining dispute not only affects Stilbruch employees, but also has far-reaching consequences for the entire public sector. Recently, more than 150,000 people nationwide took part in warning strikes - a sign of unity and the urge for change.

The reasons are varied: Ver.di not only demands an increase in wages, but also higher surcharges for stressful activities, an increase in training allowances by 200 euros and at least three additional days off. These demands aim to improve the working and income conditions for all those in the public service who work for society every day, be it in daycare centers, in garbage collection or in care facilities tagesschau.

Outlook on the negotiations

The third round of negotiations begins tomorrow and expectations are high. It remains to be seen whether both sides are willing to make concessions. Trade unions and employers are in a delicate situation: while the union is fighting for a significant improvement in wages and working conditions, the employers argue with financial burdens and the need not to put further strain on public coffers. There is potential for up to 15 billion euros in additional costs annually if the union demands were fully met.

The coming days could be crucial for the future of public sector workers, but there remains hope for a viable solution. If there is no agreement, a fourth round of negotiations could be necessary, which could also lead to warning strikes.