Public Services Strike in North Rhine-Westphalia Escalates
Affected Cities and Services
Public service employees across North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) continue to strike for improved wages and working conditions, causing disruptions to various services.
Dortmund
In Dortmund, all light rail and bus services operated by DSW21 are suspended. Airport lines are unaffected, as per the announcement by the Verdi union. Additionally, strikes are taking place in municipal kindergartens, city administration offices, waterworks, EDG (waste management), the city hospital, senior citizen homes, and the LWL clinic.
Herne and Aachen
In Herne and Aachen, city administrations are on strike. In Mülheim, city administration services are also affected, along with closures of kindergartens.
Gelsenkirchen
In Gelsenkirchen, salaried employees, apprentices, students, and interns in all sectors and departments in the Mittleres Ruhrgebiet district, excluding public transport, are called for a warning strike.
Bochum
Numerous kindergartens and swimming pools in Bochum remain closed. Additionally, a strike is underway at the Siegen hospital.
Eschweiler
In Eschweiler, kindergartens are affected by the strike.
Other Affected Regions
The strike also impacts the city of Aachen and its public transport company ASEAG, the Rhein-Erft-Kreis district, the city of Münster, and the Düren and Heinsberg districts. The Rhein-Maas-Klinikum hospital is also experiencing strike action.
Cologne
Cologne residents face various warning strikes on Thursday, including in municipal offices, the Cologne city council, the BGA food bank, the Cologne Zoo, and public transport services operated by KVB.
Strike Demands
Verdi, the union representing public service employees, aims to send a "signal for better pay and a more attractive public service at the federal and municipal levels" through these warning strikes.
Negotiations and Next Steps
The first round of collective bargaining negotiations took place on February 2, 2023, without an agreement. The second round is scheduled for February 17-18, 2025, in Potsdam. The third and final round will be held from March 14-16, 2025, also in Potsdam.
Impact and Call for Understanding
The strikes are causing significant disruptions to essential public services, impacting residents’ daily lives. Verdi acknowledges the inconvenience and calls for understanding from the public. However, they emphasize the importance of fighting for fair wages and working conditions in the public sector.
