Upcoming Labor Action in Saxony-Anhalt: Warning Strikes to Impact Public Services
Strikes Set to Disrupt Kindergartens, Municipal Offices, and Government Agencies
In the coming week, residents of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, should prepare for significant disruptions to kindergarten services, municipal offices, and government agencies as the Verdi trade union has called for a series of warning strikes. This labor action stems from the ongoing wage negotiations in the public sector.
Tuesday: Large-Scale Warning Strike in Northern Saxony-Anhalt
On Tuesday, a major warning strike will take place, with employees from the northern part of Saxony-Anhalt participating. Those included in the strike are municipal employees of cities, communities, and districts, as well as workers from municipal kindergartens in Magdeburg, waste disposal services, employment offices, and water utilities.
The striking employees will gather at the Johanniskirche in Magdeburg, where they will also hold a memorial service for the victims of the recent Munich attack. The attack last week resulted in two fatalities and nearly 40 injuries.
Additional Warning Strikes in Southern Saxony-Anhalt
Employees in the public sector of southern Saxony-Anhalt will also engage in warning strikes in the upcoming week. On Tuesday, workers at kindergartens and municipal offices in Dessau-Roßlau will strike again. Wednesday’s strike will involve employees in the Saalekreis district, and on Thursday, workers in the Burgenlandkreis and Salzlandkreis districts will take part in the labor action.
Union Demands: Salary Increase, Additional Days Off
The Verdi trade union is demanding a salary increase of eight percent, or a minimum of 350 euros more per month. Additionally, Verdi is calling for three extra days of paid leave.
Employer Criticism: Demands Deemed Excessive
The municipal employers have criticized the demands as excessive, citing the strained budgetary situation.
Background: Public Sector Wage Negotiations
The warning strikes are part of the ongoing wage negotiations between the Verdi trade union and the Association of Municipal Employers (VKA). The negotiations aim to reach a new collective agreement for public sector employees in Germany.
Impact on Public Services
The warning strikes are expected to cause significant disruptions to public services in Saxony-Anhalt. Residents should anticipate closures of kindergartens, delays in municipal services, and reduced staffing at government agencies.
Memorial Service for Munich Attack Victims
The gathering at the Johanniskirche in Magdeburg will serve as an opportunity for the striking employees to not only highlight their demands but also to express their solidarity with the victims of the Munich attack. The memorial service is a testament to the shared values of humanity and compassion within the labor movement.
Ongoing Negotiations
The warning strikes are intended to pressure the employers to engage in meaningful negotiations and to demonstrate the union’s resolve in securing fair wages and working conditions for public sector employees. The outcome of the negotiations will have a significant impact on the salaries and benefits of hundreds of thousands of workers across Germany.
