(de-news.net) – Warning strikes are impending in the public sector. The second round of negotiations for over 2.5 million federal and municipal employees ended without progress, with no offer from the employers.

The head of the Verdi union, Frank Werneke, stated that labor action measures would be intensified during the current week, and that before the federal elections. Werneke added that details on planned actions will still be coordinated. The negotiator of the civil service association dbb, Volker Geyer, emphasized that warning strikes and protest actions would be organized nationwide over the next three weeks. There was no statement from the employers, who had not presented an offer. Association President Welge had previously stated that any potential proposal from the employers would be far from the demands of the representatives of the workforce.

Negotiations are scheduled to resume on March 14. Verdi and the civil service association demand an 8 percent pay increase, at least 350 euros more per month. In particularly demanding jobs, such as in the health sector, higher allowances are requested. The unions also seek to negotiate three to four additional days off, all to be managed through flexible working time accounts.

The affected employees work in administration, daycare centers, schools and universities, public transport, waste management, or airports. The professions of firefighters and federal police officers are also included. The third round of negotiations is set to take place from March 14 to 16.