German public sector workers strike over pay demands

BERLIN

Public sector employees launched walkouts in various German cities on Wednesday, affecting daycare centers, schools, and government offices.

Four unions called for the warning strikes as the third round of collective bargaining talks began in Potsdam, where around 6,000 public sector employees also gathered for a mass rally.

"Staff from schools, universities, and daycare centers are expecting an offer from employers at the third round of negotiations," the GEW union said in a statement. "If no offer is forthcoming, there will be further nationwide strikes," the union warned.

Four unions—GEW, Verdi, IG-Bau, and the GdP—representing over 2 million public employees, are demanding a 7% pay increase, with a minimum of 300 euros ($325) per month, to address rising living costs.