A potential work stoppage by over 2000 AWO Berlin employees, including daycare center workers, migration counselors, and socio-educators, could impact services on November 7-8 and 15-16. This warning strike, called by union Verdi, stems from an impasse in salary negotiations. Verdi is pushing for a 13.5% wage hike and a minimum salary increase of €550 from January 2024.
AWO Berlin's bargaining commission has made revisions to their offer in recent negotiations, aiming for consistency with the public sector. However, Verdi's insistence on immediate implementation is difficult without a guaranteed funding commitment from the public sector. As a result, the negotiations have been put on hold until the budget is approved in December.
Verdi is also opposing AWO Berlin's proposed tariffs, contending they would exacerbate employees' financial difficulties. If the ongoing disagreement over wage increases and tariffs persists, further strike actions may be forthcoming.
Enrichment Insights:
- Verdi is a significant German labor union, overseeing numerous sectors including social services and education.
- AWO Berlin is a comprehensive social welfare association that offers various services, such as daycare services and assistance for vulnerable populations.
- Strike actions could potentially result in the closure of daycare centers and other facilitities, imposing challenges for families reliant on these services.
- Successful negotiations could yield improved working conditions, wages, or benefits for Verdi members, potentially avert strikes.
- Public attention often focuses on collective bargaining disputes, particularly those involving essential services, placing mounting pressure on both parties to reach a resolution.
