Major mail disruption across Germany as postal strikes hit rural areas

Update: The strike was continuing on Thursday January 31st, affecting employees at parcel centres

Thousands of Deutsche Post workers went on strike on Wednesday across rural parts of Germany ahead of a third round of pay negotiations.

According to the postal service, around 4,000 people had taken part in the industrial action by midday. The Verdi workers' union, which called the strikes, suggested that 5,000 workers had participated overall. 

This second round of strikes come just a day after postal workers stopped work in most of the county's major cities on Tuesday.

In Düsseldorf and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, the work stoppage had already been planned to continue for 48 hours.

READ ALSO: Which German cities are affected by the Deutsche Post strikes

How are deliveries affected?

While Wednesday's strikes are taking place primarily in Germany's rural districts, the back to back work freezes mean that mail is backed up across the Bundesrepublik.

DPA reported on Wednesday afternoon that "millions of shipments remain undelivered" due to the strike actions.

According to information provided by Deutsche Post, around five percent of the average daily volume of parcels and letters have been delayed. But that percent is much high in regions where strikes are active.

Considering annual figures for the number of mail deliveries across Germany, DPA estimates that could amount to roughly two million letters and a few hundred thousand parcels that have been delayed.

If you are expecting mail at the moment, there is little to be done beyond having patience. 

According to a Deutsche Post spokesman, deliveries that have been delayed will be processed quickly and, depending on the end of the strike activity, delivered on Thursday or in the following days.

What are postal workers demanding?

Verdi is asking for a pay increase of seven percent and three extra vacation days for Deutsche Post employees.

The union argues that the added off days are fair considering the increased demands put on postal workers. 

Deutsche Post previously suggested its scope for wage increases was slim due to falling letter volumes and a high need for investment.

But while the number of letters sent may be falling, deliveries of heavier packages have increased in recent years due to the increasing popularity of online shopping.

READ ALSO: Why sending post in Germany will get more expensive in 2025