Citywide Strike in Solingen Happening Throughout Entire Friday
In Solingen, a significant labour dispute has arisen, as the United Services Union (ver.di) has announced a strike action on Friday, February 14. The strike is part of ongoing wage negotiations with employers from the federal government and municipalities, with ver.di demanding improvements in pay, working conditions, and social policies.
The nationwide staff shortage, affecting around 500,000 positions, has contributed to the union's call for action. In Solingen, the strike involves employees from various institutions, including the city administration, Technical Works, Municipal Hospital, city works, and municipal savings bank.
The strike has resulted in several disruptions to public services. Hospital Solingen is operating in emergency mode, with planned operations having to be postponed. Many municipal kindergartens will remain closed, and restrictions are expected in citizen's offices and other municipal services.
Garbage collection will not occur on February 14 due to the strike, adding to the inconvenience for residents. Emergency services at the hospital, however, are guaranteed.
Stephanie Peifer, district manager of ver.di Düsseldorf-Rhein-Wupper, has expressed disappointment with the first round of negotiations, held on January 24 in Potsdam, which ended without a result. In a statement, she called for solutions to address staff shortages and increased workload due to the strike.
Ver.di is putting pressure on employers to present a negotiable offer in the next round of negotiations. The union's demands include a total of 8 percent wage increase, at least 350 euros more per month, higher allowances for particularly stressful activities, three additional free days to counteract high workload, and a "My Time Account" to provide more time sovereignty and flexibility for employees.
As the strike continues, residents and businesses in Solingen are advised to stay informed about any updates or changes in public services. For detailed and accurate information about this particular strike, it is recommended to check local news outlets, ver.di official communications, or municipal announcements from the Solingen area around that date.
The strike action by ver.di in Solingen, affecting various institutions, is not just a labor dispute – it's also a call for policy and legislation changes, with the union pushing for solutions to address staff shortages and improved working conditions in the context of general news about politics and wages. As the strike escalates, residents and businesses in Solingen should monitor policy-and-legislation developments, keeping up with general-news updates from local news outlets.
