In Hamburg, one of Germany's important seaports, workers went on a 48-hour "warning strike" after their demand for a wage increase was not met.

Workers at Germany's Hamburg Port began a 48-hour "warning strike" after their demand for a wage increase was not met during collective bargaining negotiations. The United Services Union (Verdi) called on employees to strike for a second time as part of collective bargaining negotiations at German seaports.

On August 18, a 24-hour strike was held at ports in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Brake, and Emden, which resulted in a slowdown of cargo loading onto ships and a complete halt in some areas. The new strike call covers employees at more than 12 companies, including HHLA's Altenwerder, Burchardkai, and Tollerort container terminals at Hamburg Port.

The decision to strike came after employees overwhelmingly rejected the employers' latest offer. According to Verdi's statement, more than 6,000 employees participated in the week-long evaluation process. André Kretschmar, Verdi's Head of the Maritime Sector, stated that the employers' offer was insufficient, adding that the employees' decision could not be ignored.

The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS), in the third round of negotiations, had offered a 5.1 percent wage increase for an 18-month contract period, effective from August 1, 2026. The offer also included an an increase of at least 1.20 euros per hour.

Verdi, on the other hand, is demanding an 8.2 percent wage increase for a 12-month contract period, and at least a 2.50 euro raise per hour. Due to the strike, loading, unloading, and logistics activities are expected to be disrupted at Germany's important seaports, especially Hamburg Port.

Baba Agency /HAMBURG