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Tensions between the ECB management and the workers’ side have built up over the years. UNI Finance and the other European trade union organisations in meetings of the social dialogue for the European System of Central Banks have repeatedly demanded full trade union rights at the ECB – a standard practice in national central banks across Europe.



Oliver Roethig, Head of UNI Finance, said: “The right to collective bargaining is one of core labour standards recognised by virtually every democratic state, the United Nations and the European Union. It is high-time that the ECB adheres to this basic human right too and engaged in constructive and comprehensive dialogue, including collective bargaining with IPSO.



“This applies even more so, since the ECB is both employer and legislator for its staff’s conditions of employment. Certainly, the current dispute raises the question why the ECB is not subject to the principles of labour law as practiced by the member states and legislated by the EU. An organisation that has no parliamentary legitimacy must be responsible in exercising its rights.



"Especially in a financial crisis like this, it is essential that the ECB does not endanger its credibility by such imprudent behaviour.”



"Finance unions in Europe and around the world stand in solidarity with our ECB colleagues. We call upon the European Central Bank and its President Trichet to enter negotiations with IPSO immediately," said Roethig.



IPSO, the International Public Services Organisation, has 460 members among 1,500 staff of the ECB. It is the partner organisation of UNI Finance and EPSU (European Public Service Union) mandated to organise ECB staff and other European and international organisations in Germany.



The objectives of the strike are:



1. the conclusion of a framework agreement between the ECB and IPSO on the implementation of collective bargaining regarding the conditions of employment, ECB staff rules as well as other related labour law and industrial relations’ issues;



2. the conclusion of a collective agreement on the ECB’s pension plan.



The ECB’s unilateral plans to change the pension system brought the conflict on collective bargaining rights to a head. Benefits could be reduced by as much as 15 percent.



The strike was called after IPSO members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. The 90 minutes warning strike is not intended to impair the functioning of the ECB’s operational capability. IPSO also called open the bank to enter into an agreement on the minimum services that should be provided during this one and a half hour of strike.



For the IPSO press release, see "Related Files" and for more information: “http://www.ipso.de/breaking-news/strike”