Collective negotiations at Deutsche Post: Löhne up, stress down!

On January 8, 2025, the collective bargaining for Deutsche Post in Kassel started. These first talks are part of three planned rounds of negotiations. The Verdi union has formulated extensive claims that include a wage increase of 7 % as well as higher training allowances and additional vacation days for the 170,000 employees. Verdi emphasizes the increasing loads caused by increasing package quantities and the higher weight of the loads.

The management of Deutsche Post has, however, rejected the claims as too largely. Negotiations are in the context of an improved working conditions for employees, who are increasingly faced with health challenges. As early as the preliminary vote of the Group Collection Commission, claims were decided that correspond to the wishes of over 45,000 Verdi members who signaled an urgent need for better working conditions and a reduction in workload.

insights into the challenges in everyday work

Many of the members found the initially proposed claim of only 6 % insufficient. In addition to the financial improvement, the employees are also looking for more time for regeneration, since the work is both physically and mentally stressful. Deliveries transport packages of up to 31.5 kilograms alone, with many demanding a limitation of the package weight to a maximum of 20 kilograms, which is currently not politically implemented. The increasing package quantities and weights increase the pressure and stress in daily work.

In addition, employees often face challenges such as conflicts with aggressive people in road traffic or with customers. The demand for additional free days that can be flexibly planned in the interests of the employees is also highlighted. In addition, an additional free day for trade unionists is cited as appropriate recognition for their commitment.

Frustration about the lack of progress at the negotiating table is high. A majority of the Verdi members are ready to stand up for their demands if necessary with a strike in order to achieve the improvement of working conditions. The sick leave among the employees is at a record level, which underlines the urgency of the negotiations in order to improve the health requirements in the industry, as well as Verdi.de reported.