24-Hour Warning Strike By German Port Workers Halts Cargo Operations At 6 Major Seaports

A 24-hour strike by dock workers has disrupted cargo operations at six major German seaports, including Hamburg, after a wage dispute between the Verdi union and port employers escalated.

The strike began with the night shift on Aug. 17 and affects ports in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Emden and Brake. More than a dozen port companies have been impacted, including container terminal operators HHLA and Eurogate.

German media reported that operations at Hamburg’s four main container terminals were largely halted, with many quay cranes standing idle and some vessels avoiding the port before the strike began.

The dispute involves about 11,000 seaport workers and follows the rejection of the latest wage offer from the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS).

In Hamburg, the strike covers HHLA’s container terminals at Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Tollerort, along with the Eurogate Container Terminal Hamburg and Gesamthafenbetriebs-Gesellschaft (GHB).

“Our message to employers is that we are serious about our demands,” Verdi chief negotiator Sylvi Krisch said in a statement.

“The workers want a better offer, and they deserve it. They are the ones who keep the infrastructure running at the ports and ensure that the industry as a whole remains stable and successful,” she added.

Eurogate told customers that no cargo handling would be possible at its Hamburg container terminal from 10 p.m. on Aug. 17 until 10 p.m. on Aug. 18 because of the strike.

The company advised customers, contractors and drivers to consider the disruption while planning their operations to reduce delays.

Eurogate also said truck handling at its Wilhelmshaven container terminal would be suspended from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 because of a staff meeting. The last truck would be allowed to enter at noon.

HHLA said the strike had also affected cargo handling at its Hamburg container terminals.

The company said the work stoppage had led to delays in terminal operations and that customers and partner companies had already been informed. HHLA added that it was working to reduce the impact of the delays as quickly as possible.

The disruption has also affected inland transportation.

Contargo, a container logistics company that operates rail, road and inland waterway services, said delays and possible cancellations were expected for both rail and truck transport. The company said it was monitoring the situation and would continue to update customers.

The strike comes after wage negotiations between Verdi and ZDS reached a deadlock.

Verdi is seeking an 8.2% increase in hourly wages under a 12-month agreement, with a minimum increase of €2.50 ($2.88-$2.90) per hour. The union said the minimum increase is aimed at improving wages for workers in lower and middle pay groups.

More than 6,100 workers took part in a week-long consultation on the employers’ proposal, and a large majority voted against it.

ZDS has offered a 5.1% increase in basic hourly wages over 19 months. The proposal also includes an additional €300 ($345.45-$347) in holiday pay from January 2027 and a €460 ($529.69) increase in the annual allowance for employees working in container operations.

Workers have criticised both the length of the proposed agreement and the size of the wage increase for lower-paid employees.

The strike is expected to continue for 24 hours. Verdi has called for a third round of negotiations and is seeking an improved offer from employers.

References: trtworld, worldcargonews