Six German ports hit by 24-hour strike
Six major German seaports have been hit by a coordinated 24-hour strike, raising fears of further disruption to already congested supply chains across northern Europe.
The strike follows a growing dispute over wages between port workers and employers represented by the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS – Central Association of German Seaport Operators). Employers have offered workers a 5.1% wage increase, backdated to August 1.
The proposed deal also includes an additional €300 in holiday pay and higher allowances for employees working at major container terminals. The agreement would remain in force for 19 months.
However, the offer was rejected by a large majority of workers. More than 6,100 employees took part in a Ver.di consultation on the proposed agreement, with most voting against it.
The 24-hour walkout affects six of Germany’s major ports and comes at a sensitive time for European logistics. Any prolonged disruption could create additional delays for ships, containers and cargo moving through the country’s key maritime gateways.
The dispute now threatens to continue unless employers and the union can reach a compromise. A third round of negotiations has not yet been scheduled, leaving uncertainty over whether further strikes could follow.
The latest action highlights the growing pressure on Germany’s port sector, where workers are demanding better compensation while employers attempt to contain rising labour costs and maintain the competitiveness of the country’s major shipping hubs.