Public Sector Workers in Brandenburg Launch Warning Strike
Over a Hundred Facilities Affected
Strikes have commenced in the public sector across Brandenburg, affecting more than a hundred service locations, municipal administrations, and federal institutions. According to Mike Döding, regional director of the trade union Verdi, the start times of the walkouts vary depending on the work schedules of different professional groups.
The first to lay down their tools were the non-medical staff at the Ernst-von-Bergmann-Klinikum early in the morning, including nurses and physiotherapists. The action is part of a nationwide collective bargaining round involving federal and municipal public sector workers.
Negotiations for higher salaries are set to continue in Potsdam at the beginning of the week. Preparations are underway for a major rally scheduled for midday (12:30 pm) in Potsdam. Döding expects a large turnout, estimating that "a thousand or more" strikers could attend.
Unions Demand 8% Pay Increase
In the ongoing wage negotiations, Verdi and the Beamtenbund (civil servants’ union) are demanding an 8% pay increase, with a minimum increase of €350 per month. However, the Association of Municipal Employer Associations has criticized the wage demands as excessive, arguing that they would overburden municipalities financially. No offer has yet been made by the employer side.
Impact on Services
The strike is disrupting public services in various sectors. In the healthcare sector, the disruption primarily affects non-urgent medical procedures and outpatient appointments. Hospitals are focusing on emergency and essential services.
Municipal services such as waste collection, childcare, and public transport are also affected. Residents are advised to check with local authorities for specific information on the availability of services.
Public Support for Strikers
Initial reactions from the public indicate support for the strikers’ demands. Many citizens understand the importance of fair wages for those who provide essential public services. However, some businesses and commuters have expressed concerns about the inconvenience caused by the strike.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
Both Verdi and the employers’ association have called for constructive dialogue and a swift resolution to the dispute. Döding emphasized that the union is open to negotiations but will continue to press for fair pay and working conditions for public sector workers.
The warning strike is a significant step in the ongoing collective bargaining process. The outcome of the negotiations will have implications not only for public sector workers in Brandenburg but also for the broader public sector workforce across Germany.
