Union Rift Deepens as WDR Pact Angers Labor Allies, Strikes Spread Across German Sectors
13.06.2026 - 00:32:29 | boerse-global.de
Germany’s spring wage round of 2026 is delivering mixed results that leave many workers still losing purchasing power. While the construction and wood industries secured average increases of 3.5 percent, the chemical sector managed only 1.8 percent plus one-off payments. Most settlements fail to fully offset inflation, according to an initial assessment by labor observers.
The fragmented outcome is adding to tensions within the union movement itself. On June 10, the public broadcaster WDR and the small media union VRFF reached a 35-month collective agreement. The deal grants a retroactive 1.23 percent raise from February 1, 2026, followed by 2.0 percent in February 2027, and at least 1.0 percent – up to a possible 1.5 percent under certain triggers – for 2028. The maximum overall increase reaches 5.73 percent.
That pact has drawn sharp rebukes from larger unions. Ver.di, the German Journalists’ Association (DJV), and the Unisono union jointly condemned what they call a unilateral move. Ver.di labeled the agreement a spoiler tactic and is sticking to its demand for a 7 percent pay hike across all ARD stations. Talks at NDR and BR resumed on June 11. Further rounds are scheduled for SWR on June 30 and for a separate session at WDR on July 1.
Beyond broadcasting, walkouts are multiplying. In Lower Saxony and Bremen, ver.di called textile retail employees out on strike today. The employers’ offer of 2 percent for the current year was rejected as too low. The union is demanding a 7 percent increase to base pay scales and a minimum hourly wage of €14.90. The next bargaining session is set for July 6 in Hanover.
Meanwhile, around 600 production workers at dairy giant Arla Foods walked off the job at the Pronsfeld site. The Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG) cited the company’s offer of 2.3 percent as inadequate. The union is pressing for 6.5 percent, with a floor increase of at least €275 per month.
In public transport, a path toward settlement emerged for roughly 4,550 employees in Lower Saxony and Bremen. On June 11, both sides named arbitrators: ver.di tapped former Thuringian minister-president Bodo Ramelow, while employers chose Stephan Rolfes. The core issues involve reductions in weekly working hours, higher shift premiums, and additional vacation days.
At Discover Airlines, the Independent Flight Attendants Organization (UFO) is demanding that talks be restarted. The union argues that a recent agreement signed with ver.di fails to address key concerns. UFO wants improvements to pension provisions, pay scales, and part-time regulations.
On the ground, newly elected or re-elected works councils are preparing for tough negotiations. IG Metall Aschaffenburg has scheduled a reception for worker representatives on June 24, focused on training opportunities. The goal is to equip council members with the expertise needed to handle upcoming debates on working hours and compensation structures.
