Ver.di is calling for a nationwide warning strike at private banks

In collective bargaining for around 150,000 employees at private banks, Ver.di is calling for the first nationwide warning strikes. This increases the pressure before the second round on November 2nd, after the employers did not submit an offer at the beginning of October, the union in Berlin announced.

“The profits are being delivered, but the banks still owe their employees an offer when it comes to salaries,” said negotiator Jan Duscheck. »But anyone who contributes to the success of the industry every day rightly expects fair participation.«

The employers rejected the demands as excessive. It is expected that the warning strike will remain manageable and will have "no noticeable impact on banking operations," said Carsten Rogge-Strang, general manager of the employers' association AGV Banken, to the dpa news agency. Whether you submit a salary offer also depends on Ver.di's willingness to negotiate. The catalog of demands must be significantly “streamlined”.

Six percent more salary required

Ver.di is demanding six percent more salary and 300 euros more per month for junior staff for a twelve-month term. The salary increases should also be transferred to employees paid above and beyond collective agreements, according to the union, which points to high profits in the banking industry and increased living costs. Employers could make the deal possible with a serious offer.

In addition to salary increases, Ver.di wants to regulate the use of artificial intelligence and calls for binding agreements on personnel planning and qualification. In addition, employees should be given the opportunity to convert salary components into up to 20 additional days off per year. Employers reject that too. The demand corresponds to a reduction in working hours of almost ten percent and “reduces any serious personnel planning to absurdity.”