Hamburg City Employees Strike for Retirement Scheme
Hamburg, Germany – Civic services in Hamburg are facing disruptions on Thursday as members of the Verdi trade union embark on a citywide warning strike. The strike, which will affect district offices, Hamburg Service centers, and social welfare services, aims to pressure the city government to address the union’s demands for a collective agreement on partial retirement options.
Broken Promise
Verdi claims that the city unilaterally discontinued an existing partial retirement scheme in 2009 and has since refused to negotiate a new one. The union argues that such a scheme is crucial for employees wishing to gradually transition to retirement while maintaining a sustainable income.
Strike Details
The warning strike will take place throughout the day on Thursday, July 22nd. Employees are expected to picket and demonstrate outside relevant government offices. A mass demonstration is planned for 2:00 PM, where participants will march from the Verdi union headquarters through the city center to the Katharinenkirche church.
Moment of Silence
During the demonstration, a minute of silence will be observed to honor the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Munich. On July 19th, a 24-year-old Afghan man allegedly drove his car into a Verdi demonstration, killing a two-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother. At least 37 others were injured in the attack.
Distinct Negotiations
It is important to note that this warning strike is separate from the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations for public sector employees at the federal and municipal levels in Potsdam. Hamburg, as a city-state, has a unique status and falls under the collective agreement for public sector employees of the federal states (TV-L).
Impact on Services
The strike is expected to cause significant delays and interruptions to public services in Hamburg. Residents seeking assistance from district offices, Hamburg Service centers, or social welfare agencies are advised to reschedule their appointments if possible or to seek alternative means of support.
Demands and Expectations
Verdi is calling on the city government to engage in constructive negotiations and to address the concerns of its employees. The union demands a fair and viable partial retirement scheme that will allow workers to plan for their future with confidence.
The outcome of the warning strike remains uncertain. If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory agreement, Verdi may consider further actions, including an escalation of the strike.
