Parcels are left lying around

Deutsche Post warning strikes: thousands protest

According to Verdi, no significant results were achieved in the second round of negotiations - they are demanding more pay and vacation days.(Bild: APA/dpa/Moritz Frankenberg)

In the wage dispute with Deutsche Post, the trade union Verdi has stepped up the pressure with warning strikes in parcel delivery ahead of the third round of negotiations. According to Verdi deputy chairwoman Andrea Kocsis, there was hardly any progress or concrete results in the second round of negotiations.

According to Deutsche Post, around 2,800 employees at around 250 locations took part in the protests. This could lead to delays in the delivery or collection of parcels. There is "no valid reason for warning strikes at this time", the DHL subsidiary emphasized once again.

Verdi demands 7 percent higher wages
On Tuesday, the union had called for a work stoppage in mail centers. According to Swiss Post, however, participation in the protests was low. Verdi had already called for several waves of warning strikes during the collective bargaining round, which delayed the delivery of millions of letters, and parcels were also temporarily delayed. The Group delivers over 40 million letters on normal working days alone.

Verdi is demanding a 7 percent wage increase for the Group's approximately 170,000 employees. The union also wants three days more vacation, citing an increasing workload. Verdi members are to receive an additional day.

Deutsche Post announces offer
Deutsche Post is complaining about excessive costs in the German letter and parcel business and is insisting on "economically justifiable wage increases". It had announced that it would put an offer on the table in the third round of talks. The wage talks are to continue for two days from February 12.