Germany: collective bargaining fails again at Deutsche Telekom, leading to three weeks of warning strikes

“It’s not possible that, until 2012, shareholders will receive annual dividends amounting to €3.4bn while the people who create this wealth leave empty-handed” declared Harald Dressler, one of Verdi’s representatives in Saxony, during a strike organized in Chemnitz.  Unionists and DT’s 105,000 employees are extremely angry.  In addition to the dividend issue, the management of Deutsche Telekom didn’t present a figured offer until one and a half month of negotiations had passed, which is the exact opposite of what Verdi is asking.  “This offer is non-negotiable.  It amounts to an annual 1.08% increase while other sectors sign agreements between 3 and 3.5%” Verdi negotiator Lothar Schröder protested.  His union wants a 6.5% increase over 12 month, with a €170 minimum guaranteed monthly increase, as well as a €70-90 monthly increase for apprentices.
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Dressler, one of Verdi’s representatives in Saxony, during a strike organized in Chemnitz. Unionists and DT’s 105,000 employees are extremely angry. In addition to the dividend issue, the management of Deutsche Telekom didn’t present a figured offer until one and a half month of negotiations had passed, which is the exact opposite of what Verdi is asking. “This offer is non-negotiable. It amounts to an annual 1.08% increase while other sectors sign agreements between 3 and 3.5%” Verdi negot

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