BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Verdi and the employers have moved towards arbitration in the collective bargaining dispute between aviation security personnel. The union proposed arbitration after the sixth round of negotiations failed to produce a result. This was the last resort to find a solution, announced the union's chief negotiator, Wolfgang Pieper, on Friday evening. According to Verdi, the proposal is intended to take into account vacationers and families traveling during the Easter holidays. A spokeswoman for the aviation security companies (BDLS) said that the terms of the arbitration would be discussed over the next few days.

Verdi warned that further strikes could not be ruled out without arbitration or without an acceptable arbitration result. Warning strikes by aviation security staff brought several German airports to a temporary standstill last week. The staff check passengers, staff and baggage at the entrances to the security area on behalf of the Federal Police. The main sticking point in the negotiations for the approximately 25,000 employees of private security service providers is the extra pay for overtime.

"The employers have rigorously refused to respond to our demand for overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime," criticized Pieper after the inconclusive round of negotiations.

According to the employers, they presented a significantly improved offer. The latest proposal would mean around 556 euros more per month for employees, explained Frank Haindl, chief negotiator for the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS). In addition, the employers had agreed to a change regarding the earlier granting of overtime bonuses.

Verdi is demanding 2.80 euros more pay per hour, higher function bonuses and overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime with the collective agreement running for twelve months. According to the employers, they have now offered 3.25 euros per hour for a term of 24 months with effect after 12 months./mar/bf/DP/nas