BONN/KÖLN (dpa-AFX) - The employers and the trade union are still far apart in the wage negotiations at Deutsche Telekom < DE0005557508V>. The company presented an offer in Koln on Tuesday, according to which a tax-free inflation compensation bonus of 2000 euros is to be paid this year. A percentage increase in monthly salaries is not to be paid until 2025, namely by 4.2 percent in January. In October 2025, a further 150 euros per month are to be added - depending on the pay scale group, this would be an increase of up to 4.2 percent, according to Telekom. Apprentices and dual students are also to receive more money.

The offer is not enough for Verdi. The union said it expected "significant improvements". The employee representatives are demanding an increase of 12 percent in a 12-month collective agreement, while Telekom is aiming for a 27-month term.

According to the Bonn-based group, the collective agreement would apply to 55,500 employees. Verdi, on the other hand, wants to include other areas of the Group so that the provisions would apply to 70,000 employees. In recent weeks, Verdi has tried to put pressure on the company with warning strikes. Some Telekom customers felt the effects: Technician appointments were canceled and waiting times on the service hotline were sometimes extended. There could be further warning strikes in the future./wdw/DP/he