Bavaria's police and staff stage mass walkout ahead of critical wage talks
Police employees across Bavaria will stage a major walkout on Tuesday, February 10, 2023. The protest begins at 9 a.m. at Odeonsplatz in Munich, just before a key round of wage talks for state workers. Uniformed officers, though legally barred from striking, will join in solidarity during their free time—some even in uniform alongside retired colleagues. The strike is timed to escalate pressure ahead of the third round of collective bargaining negotiations in Potsdam on February 11. The Police Union of Bavaria, working with ver.di, is pushing for a 7% wage increase—or at least an extra €300 per month for 12 months. They argue that current pay fails to reflect the demanding, round-the-clock nature of police work.
Reinhard Brunner, deputy state chair of the Police Union, criticised employers for their 'inflexible obstruction' in negotiations. The union insists that fair compensation must make a 'real difference in their wallets' for staff facing daily stress. The protest will include not just officers but also administrative staff, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, IT specialists, and auto shop employees. While uniformed officers cannot legally strike, many will participate off-duty. Retired officers will also stand with current staff, reinforcing the call for better pay and working conditions.
The demonstration at Odeonsplatz marks a coordinated effort to influence upcoming wage talks. With demands for higher pay and improved conditions, the union’s actions aim to secure tangible changes for state employees. The outcome of the February 11 negotiations will determine whether further protests follow.
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