The risk of warning strikes is increasing in German seaports. The peace obligation in the ongoing wage round expires on July 30, 2026. Peace obligation means: During this period, the collective bargaining parties are not permitted to conduct labor disputes. From July 31 onwards, ver.di can in principle call on employees to stage warning strikes.
The wage round affects approximately 11,000 employees in Hamburg, Bremen and Bremerhaven as well as in Emden, Brake and Wilhelmshaven. Ver.di is demanding an 8.2 percent increase in hourly wages, but at least an additional 2.50 euros per hour. The minimum amount is intended to particularly benefit lower and middle wage groups. The negotiation round on July 22 in Bremen ended without agreement. According to ver.di, the employers' offer fell significantly short of the union's expectations. Specific figures regarding the employers' offer were not disclosed in the official statement.
No warning strike has been decided or announced yet. However, the situation could change at short notice. The next negotiation round will take place on August 5 and 6 in Bremerhaven. This creates a time window of several days during which ver.di could increase pressure on employers through work stoppages. The impact on logistics depends on which facilities and shifts are affected by the strikes. Possible consequences include delays in unloading and loading of vessels, closed terminal gates, postponed rail dispatches, and problems with container handover to trucks.
Even brief warning strikes can have aftereffects lasting multiple shifts. Missed ship cut-offs, lost truck slots, or stranded containers cannot always be made up immediately.