Public Sector Warning Strike Disrupts Hamburg Services
Hamburg, Germany – A public sector warning strike has commenced in Hamburg today, called by the United Service Workers Union (Verdi). The union estimates over 4,000 participants will join in the limited work stoppage.
"The turnout looks good," said Ole Borgard, Deputy Head of Verdi’s District Office, speaking to the German Press Agency this morning.
Following a kick-off rally at 9:30 a.m., Verdi plans a demonstration through Hamburg. The march will pass by the City Hall and proceed towards the House of the German Trade Union Confederation near the main train station. A concluding rally is scheduled to take place there until 1:00 p.m.
Affected Services
Verdi has called on employees of Hamburg Airport to strike. Some staff, such as baggage handlers, are participating, according to an airport spokesperson. "Currently, we are operating normally with only occasional waiting times," the spokesperson said.
- Waste Collection: The Municipal Waste Management will experience an extended strike until Sunday.
- Childcare: The childcare provider Elbkinder faces disruptions.
- Opera: The opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" will be performed as a concert instead.
Health Services
The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and Asklepios clinics have assured that medical care will be maintained. The UKE has announced that non-urgent surgeries will be postponed.
Negotiations and Demands
Approximately 45,000 employees of municipal companies and 5,000 civil servants employed by federal authorities in Hamburg will benefit from a successful conclusion of the collective bargaining negotiations, according to Verdi estimates.
The strike is part of a nationwide collective bargaining round for the public sector. The negotiations are set to resume on Monday and Tuesday in Potsdam. Three rounds of talks are planned.
Verdi and the Beamtenbund (German Civil Service Federation) are demanding, among other things, an 8% pay increase, with a minimum monthly raise of €350. Trainees are to receive a €200 monthly increase.
