German Press Agency faces massive strike over pay demands in 2026
Hundreds of employees at the German Press Agency (dpa) walked out on Friday in a major warning strike. Around 800 staff—from regional offices, the central newsroom, and even freelance photographers—joined the action to push for better pay. The one-day stoppage on March 20, 2026, disrupted news production across Germany far more than management had anticipated.
The strike came after weeks of stalled tariff negotiations between dpa and the unions. Workers are demanding a €250 monthly flat-rate increase for 2026, followed by a 2.5% raise in 2027 for 18 months. The agency's latest offer fell short, proposing either a 2.3% hike this year or a flat €110 payment, with the same 2.5% increase next year.
Over 300 employees also took part in a digital rally, showing broad support across departments. Trainees and freelance photographers refused to work in solidarity, adding to the pressure. The strike led to cancelled assignments and visible gaps in news coverage, proving its impact was far from minor. Union representatives now expect dpa's executive board to return with an improved proposal by March 27. The high turnout and widespread disruption have made it clear that staff are serious about their demands.
The strike's scale and effects have forced dpa to reconsider its position. With unions waiting for a revised offer by next week, the outcome will determine whether further industrial action is needed. For now, news operations remain affected as negotiations continue.
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