HAMBURG/BREMEN (dpa-AFX) - Shortly before the fourth round of negotiations in the wage dispute between seaport companies, the Verdi trade union is increasing the pressure: the warning strike by port workers is to be extended on Wednesday, the union announced. In addition to the employees in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, their colleagues in Wilhelmshaven, Bremen and Emden are also to strike.

Numerous port workers in Hamburg and Bremerhaven have been on a two-day warning strike since early Tuesday morning. According to a spokesperson, around 800 people took part in Bremerhaven. In Hamburg, the number of participants was initially unclear, but a spokesperson spoke of a high level of participation.

Verdi called on the employees in Hamburg to remain on warning strike on Wednesday or to stop work again - and not to resume before the end of the night shift. A rally is planned at 10.00 a.m. in front of the headquarters of the Central Association of German Seaports (ZDS). This will be followed by a demonstration march past the headquarters of the port logistics company HHLA to the trade union building, where a final rally is to be organized around midday.

In Emden, the warning strike is to begin early on Wednesday and end after the second shift at around 10 p.m., according to the union. In Bremen, employees are to stop work during the first shift (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and in Wilhelmshaven throughout Wednesday until the end of the first shift on Thursday (2 p.m.).

Verdi is demanding, among other things, an increase in hourly wages of three euros retroactively to June 1 as well as a corresponding increase in shift bonuses for the employees for the duration of the collective agreement of twelve months. The Central Association of German Seaport Operators recently offered a wage increase of 2.9 percent as of June 1, but at least 80 cents more per hour. The shift premiums are to increase by 33 cents to 3.50 euros.

The ZDS called on the union to maintain moderation and moderation when exercising the right to strike. "In light of the constructive rounds of negotiations to date and the fair offer presented, the ZDS believes that there is currently no reason for warning strikes that would impair the reliability of German seaports."

The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Bremen. A rally is planned to kick off the negotiations, said a spokesperson for the union. Warning strikes had already taken place in several northern German ports in mid-June, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Brake and Emden./miu/DP/he