EMDEN (dpa-AFX) - Shortly before the fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute between seaport companies, the Verdi trade union is increasing the pressure. According to a union spokesman, employees in Emden have been on strike since 6.00 a.m. this morning. The warning strike is to continue there until this evening (22:00). In Bremerhaven, the strike will continue and the measures are also set to continue there until this evening. In Wilhelmshaven, the warning strike will reportedly end on Thursday morning. The union is expecting a high level of participation in the strike.

Verdi is demanding, among other things, an increase in hourly wages of three euros retroactively to June 1 as well as a corresponding increase in shift bonuses for the employees for the duration of the collective agreement of twelve months. The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) recently offered a wage increase of 2.9 percent as of June 1, but at least 80 cents more per hour. The shift premiums are to increase by 33 cents to 3.50 euros.

The ZDS called on the union to maintain moderation and moderation when exercising the right to strike. "In light of the constructive rounds of negotiations to date and the fair offer presented, the ZDS believes that there is currently no reason for warning strikes that would impair the reliability of German seaports."

The fourth round of negotiations is planned for Thursday and Friday in Bremen. Warning strikes had already taken place in several northern German ports in mid-June, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Brake and Emden./mni/DP/tih