News

Wage negotiations between Verdi and DHL Hub Leipzig, which lasted for 26 hours, resulted in a settlement on 1 March that saw the union achieve results on all of its demands. The agreement paves the way for the introduction of a new pay scale, which gives workers a 4.7 per cent across the board increase until 1 July 2012.

The pay restructuring has meant that the lowest paid groups of workers will be moved onto a new wage band, with their pay lifted proportionately higher than that of other workers. Nevertheless, all workers’ incomes are set to rise as they move up the payscale every two years until their eighth year of service. In addition, money for training is also being increased substantially.

Dieter Pleyer chair of the works council said: “This wage deal could only be achieved because the employer became aware that Verdi members were prepared to stand up for their demands.”

In a letter to Pleyer the ITF and UNI said: “Verdi is one of the strongest pillars representing workers in the DHL group. Remember that whatever parcel you handle tonight – trade unions like Verdi exist in most countries in the offload area and the reload area.

“Verdi’s demands are also our demands, and we say: Frank Appel, the time has come! We all want respect from DHL! We all want fair working conditions! We all want fair wages for a good day’s work! Around the globe, in Germany, and at the Leipzig hub!”