Postal workers' pay: An in-depth look
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Postal workers at Deutsche Post are currently on strike, demanding a substantial pay raise. Over 170,000 employees across Germany are involved in this labor dispute, with unions like Verdi pushing for a 7% wage increase and three extra vacation days, while DPVKOM seeks an 8% increase and at least an additional €350 per month.
The strike began before wage negotiations on Wednesday and is expected to continue until Saturday, focusing on the Karlsruhe area this time. The wage gap between postal workers and other industries is a significant concern for the employees, with a majority earning between €2,450 to €3,430 gross per month.
Postal workers in lower-pay grades, including skilled workers such as warehouse workers, cleaners, or transport staff, start at €2,450 as their base salary. With more years of service, their salary increases to around €2,800 by the ninth year. Letter and package carriers, who require specialized training, start at €2,740 full-time and see their salary increase to just under €3,000 by the seventh year.
Delivery team leaders, located in a higher pay grade, earn between €3,230 (initial) to €3,930 (max) after 15 years of service. Similarly, highly qualified employees such as interpreters, IT specialists, branch managers, or shift leaders earn between €3,230 to €4,900. Even higher-paid employees like senior clerks, regional managers, or company doctors earn between €4,450 (starting) to €5,900 (maximum) after 17 years of service.
The average gross monthly salary for full-time employees across all industries in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office, was €4,450. The median salary, based on calculations by Stepstone, was around €3,800, with half earning more and half earning less.
Verdi also highlights the difference in wages compared to other industries and the physical strain on delivery workers. However, Deutsche Post rejects these demands, citing economic concerns and the need for significant investment in climate-friendly logistics despite declining letter volumes.
Both sides will meet again for the next round of negotiations in two weeks to discuss these demands. The ongoing wage dispute is impacting Deutsche Post's market performance, with the stock currently trading at €34.35, below its 52-week high of €45.67. Financial analysts remain optimistic, projecting an average price target of €40.64 for the company.
[1] Source: CNN Business
[2] Source: The Local
The striking postal workers are affiliated with German Post, as indicated by their employer during the ongoing labor dispute. The trade union Verdi is advocating for German Post to implement a 7% wage increase and three additional vacation days for its employees.
