Ver.di calls for nationwide warning strike at private banks ahead of second bargaining round

Ver.di has called for its first coordinated warning strike across private banks, seeking to heighten leverage before a second bargaining round scheduled for 2 November after employers failed to submit an offer in early October. Union leader Jan Duscheck criticized banks for profiting while withholding salary proposals, insisting that workers contributing daily to the sector deserve fair participation. The union’s demands include a six-month wage increase of 300 euros per month for junior employees, extension of raises to over- and extra-contractual staff, and the ability to convert part of wages into up to 20 additional free days annually.

Employers, represented by AGV Banken chief Carsten Rogge-Strang, expect the strike to remain limited and claim any serious offer hinges on Ver.di trimming its catalogue of demands, which also covers AI regulation, staffing and qualification agreements. They have dismissed the union’s proposals on work-time reduction and flexible pay conversion, saying they would undermine serious personnel planning.