ver.di wins “Forward Through Collective Bargaining” Award for landmark postal strike victory

Accepting the award on behalf of ver.di, Andrea Kocsis, Federal Chair at ver.di for the postal sector, described the campaign as a powerful demonstration of worker unity, determination, and democratic engagement.

“We had to go for a 15 per cent pay rise and went for full participation,” said Kocsis. “We knew we would have to face conflict. Deutsche Post said we had gone out of our mind. But our members went on strike — and it was extremely effective.”

The strike action lasted an extraordinary 100 days, ultimately delivering a major victory. Lower-paid workers received wage increases of more than 16 per cent, and the union’s strength was further reinforced by the recruitment of over 20,000 new members.

“What do we do in ver.di? We believe in participation and democracy,” Kocsis said. “Together we fight and together we win.”

The selection committee, comprised of UNI Europa’s President, Vice-Presidents, the UNI General Secretary, and the UNI Europa Regional Secretary, recognised ver.di’s campaign as a standout example of strategic organising and effective collective bargaining under pressure.

Earlier in the day, the “Respect at Work” campaign received the first award. The campaign successfully united four Irish unions – FSU, SIPTU, Mandate and CWU – and put collective bargaining high on the political agenda in the Republic of Ireland. 

With the award, UNI Europa shines a spotlight on the kind of determined, member-led action that not only delivers results but also builds long-term union power.