Verdi Extends Warning Strikes in Public Service to Schiffshebewerk Scharnebeck
The German trade union Verdi continues its series of warning strikes in the public sector. For Friday (starting at 0:00 a.m.), the union has called on employees at the Schiffshebewerk Scharnebeck on the Elbe-Seitenkanal to join the strike. A rally is planned in front of the ship lift at 9:00 a.m. Unlike previous strikes, this warning strike is scheduled to last for three days, until Sunday (12:00 a.m.).
The responsible Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration warns of possible restrictions and longer waiting times at the ship lift. "We are making every effort to keep disruptions to a minimum," said a spokesperson for the Waterways and Shipping Office in Minden. However, some disruptions cannot be entirely avoided.
The Elbe-Seitenkanal connects the Elbe River with the Mittellandkanal near Wolfsburg. With the ship lift in Scharnebeck in the district of Lüneburg, inland vessels overcome a height difference of 38 meters, as if in an oversized elevator. According to previous figures, more than 20,000 ships pass through the ship lift annually. In 2023, a defect at the facility led to a bottleneck. At times, up to 60 ships were stuck on the canal.
In recent days, warning strikes in the public sector have already led to disruptions in numerous cities. Buses and trains were canceled, daycare centers, citizen service offices, and recycling centers were closed, and hospitals operated in emergency mode. The affected cities included Braunschweig, Göttingen, Wolfsburg, and Hannover, which experienced strikes twice.
With these actions, the union aims to increase pressure on employers ahead of the next round of collective bargaining for the public service of the federal government and municipalities. On Monday, both sides will meet in Potsdam for the second round of negotiations.
Impact of the Warning Strike
The warning strike at the Schiffshebewerk Scharnebeck is expected to have significant impact on shipping traffic on the Elbe-Seitenkanal. The ship lift is a crucial infrastructure for inland navigation, allowing vessels to overcome the elevation difference between the Elbe and Mittellandkanal.
With the ship lift out of operation for three days, delays and congestion are likely to occur on the canal. Vessels passing through the area may experience extended waiting times or be forced to seek alternative routes, potentially disrupting supply chains and economic activities reliant on water transportation.
The Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration has stated that it will make every effort to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of navigation. However, it acknowledges that some delays and inconveniences are unavoidable.
Demands of the Union
Verdi, the largest trade union in Germany representing workers in the public sector, is demanding significant improvements in working conditions and compensation for its members. The union has criticized the employers’ initial offer in the current round of collective bargaining as insufficient and out of touch with the rising cost of living.
Key demands put forward by Verdi include:
- A substantial wage increase to keep pace with inflation and compensate for the increased workload of public sector employees.
- Improvements in working conditions, including reduced workloads and better staffing levels.
- Measures to address the shortage of skilled workers in the public sector, such as targeted recruitment and training programs.
Negotiations and Future Outlook
The second round of negotiations between Verdi and the employers’ representatives is scheduled to take place on Monday in Potsdam. The outcome of these talks will determine the course of the industrial action and the potential for further escalation.
If no agreement is reached, Verdi has indicated that it is prepared to extend and intensify the warning strikes. This could lead to widespread disruptions across the public sector, including transportation, education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The negotiations are closely watched by both employers and employees in the public sector, as well as by the general public who rely on these services. A resolution that meets the demands of the workers while ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services is crucial for maintaining labor peace and social stability.
