BERLIN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Retailers and ATMs in Germany might face a cash shortage on the first working day of the year as money transport drivers have gone on strike, Germany's second largest workers' unions ver.di announced on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, ver.di already called on 12,000 cash transporters to strike nationwide and demanded an increase of 1.50 euros (1.72 U.S. dollars) in hourly wages for employees in the cash and valuable goods services sector as well as the equalization of salaries between western and eastern Germany.
Ranging between 1,800 and 2,400 euros, salaries in eastern Germany are significantly below western Germany where employees in the cash and valuable goods business earn between 2,200 and 2,900 euros gross per month, according to ver.di.
"ATMs, which are often empty after the turn of the year, will not be refilled," lead negotiator of ver.di, Arno Peukes said.
Employers do not expect major problems or shortages. "The supply of cash in Germany will not collapse," said a spokesperson of the federal association of the German money and value services (BDGW).
After five unsuccessful rounds, negotiations will continue on Thursday and Friday in Berlin.
"Our message to the employers is clear. If there is no negotiable offer on the table, the strikes will be extended," Peukes added.
BDGW, on the other hand, argues that the limits of what is economically justifiable have already been reached.
