Public Service Warning Strike in Dresden Draws Moderate Participation
Dresden, Germany – The public sector strike in Dresden, organized by the Verdi trade union, witnessed a moderate turnout, according to union estimates. While precise participation figures are unavailable, Verdi Bezirks Sachsen West-Ost-Süd Director Daniel Herold acknowledged the limited response.
Call to Action
On Tuesday evening, Verdi called for a work stoppage at several public institutions, including the city administration, the municipal hospital, the Bundeswehr service center, the military history museum, and the water management authority.
Impact on Healthcare
The Städtisches Klinikum experienced isolated disruptions to non-emergency examinations and treatments, according to a spokesperson. An emergency services agreement was reached with Verdi, ensuring the provision of essential healthcare.
Factors Influencing Participation
Herold attributed the moderate turnout to the short notice following the unsuccessful conclusion of the second round of collective bargaining negotiations. The strike call came after the negotiations for the 2.5 million employees of the federal government and municipalities nationwide reached an impasse.
Furthermore, Herold cited the lingering shock from the recent terrorist attack in Munich, where a 24-year-old Afghan national drove his car into a Verdi demonstration, killing two and injuring several.
Upcoming Strike Actions
On Thursday, a warning strike is planned at municipal daycare centers in Dresden and Leipzig. The Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) teacher’s union has called for a full-day work stoppage, supported by Verdi.
In Leipzig, city officials estimate that over 20 daycare centers and roughly 30 after-school care facilities will be closed. However, the final decision will depend on the number of participating staff on the strike day. Other daycare centers and after-school care facilities may face reduced opening hours or partial closures.
In Dresden, the city administration anticipates only isolated strike-related closures and partial closures at municipal daycare centers.
Background
The ongoing collective bargaining negotiations aim to determine salary and working conditions for public sector employees in Germany. Verdi is demanding a 6% wage increase, while employers have offered 3.3% over a period of one year.
The last round of negotiations, held on Wednesday, resulted in no agreement, prompting Verdi to announce a series of warning strikes throughout the country.
Impact on Public Services
The warning strikes have the potential to disrupt essential public services, including healthcare, transportation, and municipal services. The strike in Dresden, while moderate in participation, serves as a reminder of the ongoing labor dispute and its potential impact on the public.
Ongoing Negotiations
The next round of collective bargaining negotiations is scheduled for August 10-11. Both sides have expressed a willingness to compromise and reach a solution. However, the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, and further warning strikes or even a full-blown strike cannot be ruled out.
