(Brussels, 7 Feb. 2006) EPSU German Affiliate Ver.di seized the political initiative with a call for fair recognition of the role of public service workers in keeping Germany competitive.
The series of strikes have begun in Baden-Württemberg. 10,000 public-sector employees are participating in the regional action.
Ver.di research has shown that public service workers have contributed to the German economy, with working hours continually extended without any pay increases. So successful has this policy of wage restraint been, Ver.di argue, it is now actually having a negative impact on consumer spending. Despite the evidence, regional employers are still resisting union calls.
Ver.di plan to roll out strikes across the country over the coming weeks. The aim to force regional employers to accept the wage deal struck at national and local level. Ver.di President Frank Bsirske, convincingly argued that the regional demands for longer working hours would mean job cuts throughout the country. The sectors that will be involved in this campaign include refuge and urban cleaning services, health sector, childcare, local authorities, and utilities such as water-recycling plants.
EPSU General Secretary Carola Fischbach-Pyttel congratulated Ver.di on this drive for fair wages. She stated that: "not only is this action a case for job creation, but it illustrates clearly the positive contribution of public services, through the quality of their work, and their economic value".
The action has garnered a huge profile (see front page headline Financial Times, 7 February 2006).
Solidarity message of the EPSU waste group which met in Stockholm, 9 March 2006
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