Prepare for Service Restrictions at Frankfurt University Hospital Due to Union Action
Frankfurt University Hospital patients should brace themselves for limited services once again, as a two-day warning strike is set to take place on November 23rd and 24th. The cause of this disruption? Union action from Verdi, who are still frustrated about wage disparities between employees at the hospital and their counterparts in federal and local government departments and companies.
Verdi strike leader Hilke Sauthof-Schäfer explained the motivation behind this recent action, emphasizing that the employees felt underpaid for their work compared to their colleagues in other sectors. According to Sauthof-Schäfer, approximately 4,000 employees, trainees, interns, and students affected by the strike will abide by the collective agreement of the federal states.
The collective bargaining dispute between Verdi and the employers has led to a contentious situation, as the unions demand a 10.5% pay increase, with a minimum of 500 euros more for their members. This wage dispute has resulted in repeated warnings strikes and temporary closures at Frankfurt University Hospital, as well as other public services.
The hospital, as the sole company in Hesse operating under collective bargaining regulations, will bear the brunt of this strike. The union has announced emergency medical care will still be available, but wards and specific areas will be closed or reduced due to the strike.
While Verdi is primarily involved in wage disputes across the public sector in Germany, the conflict in Frankfurt University Hospital puts a renewed spotlight on the issue. The potential consequences of this wage dispute go beyond pay increases, as limited services and disruptions at hospitals and other public services could have far-reaching impacts.
As a reminder, Verdi is demanding an 8% pay increase and a monthly minimum wage increment of 350 euros for over 2.5 million public sector employees in Germany. The ongoing labor unrest is also drawing criticism, with Verdi being accused of supporting government cuts and not fully representing worker interests.
The union is also seeking specific demands for BVG employees, including a €750 increase in basic pay, rotating shift bonuses, and an extra month’s bonus payment instead of the annual special payment. The Verdi leadership is, however, facing scrutiny for its handling of the wage disputes, with some members questioning the commitment of the union apparatus to worker demands.
