German public sector employees kick off wage negotiations

A first round of wage talks for more than 2.5 million public sector employees in Germany kicked off outside Berlin on Friday.

Trade union Verdi and the DBB civil service association are asking for an 8% pay increase, with a rise of 350 euros ($364) per month at minimum - a demand the interior ministry, which represents the employers' side, has called "very high."

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who is leading negotiations on behalf of the federal government, has expressed her willingness to compromise but made clear that the government and local authorities' budgets did not allow for too much leeway.

The DBB has warned that the public sector faces an existential crisis if pay is not significantly improved.

The unions' demands also include three extra days off for all staff and four off for union members, as well as overtime bonuses for part-time staff and more money for trainees.

An agreement is not expected until the third round of negotiations in mid-March at the earliest.