Berlin - German union leaders called on state workers in schools, hospitals and fire stations to stage more short warning strikes next week after a third round of wage talks ended on Tuesday without agreement.
The trade unions are demanding a 5.5% pay rise for some three million civil servants. Frank Bsirske, the head of the powerful services trade union Verdi, said employers had made no counter-offer and were seeking to cut retirement benefits.
"With new warning strikes, employees must once again send a strong signal that they deserve an appreciable pay rise and the guarantee of an occupational pension scheme," Bsirke said in a statement.