Working at Düsseldorf University Hospital, Verdi members staged a one-day walkout, affecting operations due to a warning strike. Involving around 550 employees, the strike began on Tuesday morning, causing impact in the operating theater, as reported by a Verdi spokeswoman. Previous warning strikes a week prior saw similar participation. Shortages led to only 15 operating theaters being in operation at the time, as Verdi stated.
Patients in dire need would still receive treatment while warning strikers stood in, according to a corresponding agreement between employers and Verdi. Regrettably, this emergency service agreement was not implemented by noon on Tuesday, as per Verdi's report.
Additionally, work stoppages occurred at Heinrich Heine University, Bielefeld University, and Fröndenberg Prison Hospital on Tuesday. The following day, strikes were planned at universities in Essen, Cologne, and Münster as well as various authorities such as the public prosecutor's office in Cologne. Bonn University Hospital was expected to face similar disruption on Thursday.
In the ongoing wage dispute, Verdi is demanding a 10.5% increase in overall pay for employees, with a minimum of 500 euros. Employers have expressed concerns about this demand.
As a response, trade unions considered applying tariffs on certain services if their needs were not met. The strikes at various institutions have necessitated discussions on potential adjustments to tariffs during emergency services covering strikes.
[Related Insights]:
- The causes of the wage dispute include high living costs and factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and skyrocketing energy prices.
- The strikes have affected multiple sectors including public transport, hospitals, universities, and logistics companies, such as DHL.
- Verdi is demanding a 350 euro per month pay rise for public sector workers and more holiday leave. The union also emphasizes the need for economically viable salary increases.
- If no agreement is reached soon, Verdi has threatened to escalate the strikes to a nationwide level.
