Verdi is thus protesting against the offer made by the federal and local governments at the end of February. The employers recently offered a linear increase in wages by three percent this year and a further two percent in the coming year, as well as tax and duty-free one-off payments totaling 2,500 euros spread over two years. Verdi and the German Association of Civil Servants, on the other hand, are demanding 10.5 percent more monthly salaries, but at least an increase of 500 euros. The third collective bargaining round will take place in just over two weeks.