As Germany approaches its upcoming Bundestag elections scheduled for February 23, 2024, the possibility of warnstreiks, or warning strikes, poses a significant threat to the nation’s public transport and air travel sectors.

Christine Behle, the deputy chair of the Verdi trade union, has urged employers involved in ongoing labor negotiations for federal and municipal public service workers to deliver an acceptable offer.

Behle warned during a press conference in Berlin, 'If there is no response, we can expect a considerable escalation before the elections.'

The prospect of strikes at airports raises concerns, primarily due to the involvement of municipal employees whose roles encompass essential ground services.

Behle suggested that negotiations could soon incorporate airport staff, which may lead to notable disruptions at major transport hubs.

Recent indications of unrest have surfaced, particularly with urban public transport services reporting significant hindrances in various regions, including the Ruhr area and several other large cities.

This current scenario mirrors extensive labor disputes experienced earlier in 2023, where a wide array of workers, including bus drivers, healthcare personnel, educators, and sanitation staff, participated in strikes that considerably impacted public transport across the country.

Approximately 380,000 air travelers were affected during those labor actions as many flights were suspended due to simultaneous strikes in both public transport and airline operations.

The next negotiation session is set for February 17 and 18 in Potsdam, where representatives will negotiate on behalf of 2.5 million employees from federal and municipal services.

The Verdi union and the dbb (civil servants union) are advocating for an 8% wage increase, a minimum pay rise of 350 euros per month, and the addition of three paid leave days to help alleviate the pressures from increased work intensity.

The introduction of a 'My Time Account' system is also proposed, aimed at augmenting workers' flexibility regarding their working hours.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations exacerbated by the impending elections, stating, 'The pre-election environment creates a particularly intricate situation,' emphasizing the importance of careful discourse as the negotiation deadline draws nearer.

Meanwhile, Verdi has reported a decline in membership, with approximately 33,000 members lost over the past year, resulting in a total membership of 1.865 million.

This reduction aligns with a net difference of 124,000 new enrollments against 157,000 departures, which includes retirements and other factors.

As stakeholders in various sectors remain vigilant, the developments surrounding these negotiations and the forthcoming federal elections are under scrutiny.