Helios Employees Strike for Wage Increases and Improved Night Shift Pay
Schwerin, Germany – Workers at Helios clinics in Schwerin have launched a warning strike to emphasize their demands for significant wage increases and better compensation for night shifts. According to a spokesperson from the Verdi union, nearly 200 hospital employees gathered in front of the main building on Wednesday morning.
Protestors Highlight Personnel Shortage and High Workload
On placards, the protesters drew attention to the consequences of chronic staff shortages, which they say have led to increased workloads and reduced patient care quality. The warning strike is scheduled to continue until Thursday. However, a round of negotiations planned for Friday in Berlin for the approximately 21,000 Helios employees nationwide has been canceled due to illness, it was announced.
Union Demands: 8% Wage Increase, Higher Night Shift Allowances
Verdi is demanding an 8% wage increase, with a minimum of €350 per month. The union also wants higher allowances for work during the night, Sundays, and holidays. Trainees are asking for an additional €150. Union members are seeking three additional days of leave. According to Verdi, the Helios Group did not present its own offer in the first round of negotiations, which took place at the end of January.
Hospital: Constructive Start to Negotiations
In a statement, Schwerin’s Helios clinics, which employ about 3,000 people, described the start of the collective bargaining as constructive. The focus was on getting to know the negotiating partners and exchanging initial positions. An emergency service agreement has been reached with Verdi for the duration of the warning strike. This is intended to ensure that, in particular, emergencies are treated adequately and promptly. There will also be emergency staffing on the wards.
High Strike Readiness
According to Verdi spokesman Daniel Taprogge, only a fraction of the 24 operating rooms could be operated due to the strike. "Strike readiness is high. People are on edge. And there are many reasons for this," he said. In addition to income, the main concerns are the constant high workload and the resulting stress on employees.
Negotiation Round Postponed
The planned second round of negotiations in Berlin on Friday has been postponed due to illness. A new date has not yet been set. Verdi has called on Helios to present a "reasonable offer" in the next round of negotiations.
Impact on Hospital Operations
The warning strike has led to disruptions in hospital operations, particularly in the operating rooms and on the wards. However, the hospital has assured that emergency cases will continue to be treated promptly.
The strike is expected to continue until Thursday unless a breakthrough is reached in the negotiations. The outcome of the negotiations will have implications not only for Helios employees in Schwerin but also for the approximately 21,000 employees nationwide.
