Labor disputes: 20 regional labor conflicts in Saxony in 2025

Saxony recorded 20 regional labor disputes last year, a figure that has left the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) satisfied. This places the state fourth nationally, behind North Rhine-Westphalia (27), Berlin (26), and Baden-Württemberg (21), according to a study by the Economic and Social Science Institute (WSI).

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Higher wages and better working conditions do not fall from the sky, but must be fought for by employees and unions. When employers make no proper offers or refuse negotiations, labor disputes are necessary.

DGB's regional chairwoman, Daniela Kolbe, highlighted that "higher wages and better working conditions do not fall from the sky, but must be fought for by employees and unions." She stressed that labor disputes are necessary when employers refuse to make reasonable offers or engage in negotiations. Kolbe emphasized that securing fair collective agreements is crucial for employees, especially given the rising cost of living in recent years.

Kolbe attributed the increased willingness to strike to the low rate of collective bargaining coverage in the region. She noted that fewer regional disputes are necessary where area-wide collective agreements are in place. Another significant factor contributing to the disputes is the ongoing wage disparity between eastern and western Germany. Kolbe stated that these wage differences "rightfully disturb the sense of justice among employees and have a mobilizing effect."

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The wage differences between East and West rightfully disturb the sense of justice among employees and have a mobilizing effect.

The DGB aims to make collective agreements and good wages the norm in Saxony. Kolbe advised employers to adopt a more forward-thinking approach, particularly in light of demographic changes. She criticized the practice of complaining about a shortage of skilled workers while simultaneously offering low wages and poor working conditions, calling it an unsustainable personnel policy for the future.

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Complaining about a shortage of skilled workers while simultaneously offering employees low wages and poor working conditions is not a future-oriented personnel policy.