Verdi expands warning strikes across Germany at private banks starting November 16

The service union Verdi plans to expand its warning strikes at private banks nationwide starting November 16. The union announced on Thursday that the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia will kick off these actions.

By doing so, employees are increasing the pressure on employers ahead of the third round of negotiations in Berlin on November 23, according to Verdi. Jan Duscheck, Verdi's federal specialized group leader for banking, criticized that banks are striving for rising profits while the wages of the employees are structurally being devalued.

The employers' latest offer provides no wage increase from October 2026 to June 2027. In July 2027, collective wages are set to increase by 2.2 percent, and in July 2028, by another 2.0 percent. Verdi assesses the offer as insufficient, as the income development is significantly below the expected inflation rate. According to the union, the employers have not submitted an offer for trainees and dual students.

For the approximately 150,000 employees, Verdi demands a six percent salary increase, as well as an additional 300 euros per month for trainees and dual students, with a contract duration of twelve months. The union is also advocating for the permanent hiring of young talent in full-time and binding regulations concerning employment protection, personnel planning, and qualification in the use of Artificial Intelligence.