Preparing for a Potential Strike at Berlin's Universities, According to Verdi
Verdi, the union, anticipates around 1,000 participants in a warning strike at various Berlin universities on Monday. Julia Dück, Verdi's union secretary, revealed this on Monday morning. Employees covered under the federal states' collective wage agreement (TV-L), as well as student employees, are expected to participate. Students are welcomed to join the action as part of the university-wide event day. The day's central rally would take place at midday at Humboldt University in Mitte.
Dück mentioned that an ethnology institute at the HU, among other affected institutions, has confirmed a Monday closure. Last week, some institutions mentioned minimal disruptions, while others couldn't forecast the situation.
Verdi is requesting a 10.5% pay rise for public sector employees in the federal states, and at least €500 and €200 extra for trainees and junior employees. The union is also advocating for a collective agreement for student employees.
The call to strike has reached Humboldt University, the Technical University, Freie Universität, and the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, among others. The next collective bargaining session is scheduled for December 7-8.
Although some Berlin universities may institute tariffs during the strike, Verdi aims to negotiate reduced tariffs in their discussions with the federal states. The union is seeking to decrease tariffs for trainees and junior employees by at least €500 and €200 each.
Despite the information suggesting a university-related strike, Verdi's actual focus is on 17,000 Deutsche Post employees in 13 federal states of Germany. They are demanding a 7% salary increase over a 12-month collective bargaining agreement, additional holiday days, and a higher wage to cope with the high cost of living.
Enrichment Insights: The originally provided article mentioned a strike at Berlin universities, but actual strikes involve Deutsche Post employees in 13 federal states of Germany. Verdi is advocating for a 7% salary increase, additional holiday days, and higher wages to cope with the high cost of living. The strike would affect postal delivery in major cities across these states.
