Woman appointed as the next head of state for Verdi
Maike Schollenberger, aged 35, is poised to take on a significant role in the labour movement as she is set to become the new State Leader of Verdi in Baden-Württemberg, marking a generational change within the organisation [1][2]. Her appointment, scheduled for this Saturday afternoon in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, follows her service as the state district youth secretary and one of Martin Gross's two deputies [3].
Schollenberger, who previously worked as a letter carrier for Deutsche Post, brings a unique perspective to her new role, having gained insights into labour rights and social issues during her time in the postal service [2]. Her dedication to social justice extends beyond union-specific matters, with her comments on broader social and political issues, such as advocating for peace and criticizing national decisions on military policies [3].
As the new Landeschefin, Schollenberger will be at the forefront of labour negotiations and advocacy in Baden-Württemberg, shaping the union's stance on a variety of regional and national issues. Verdi, Germany's second-largest trade union with approximately 1.9 million members nationwide, represents employees across various sectors, including public service, transportation, retail, communication, health, social services, and postal and logistics services [4]. Key tools used by Verdi in the negotiation process include strikes and warning strikes [5].
The state district conference, expected to be attended by approximately 160 delegates and guests, is scheduled for the same day as the election for the new State Leader [6]. High-profile attendees at the conference are expected to include Minister of Economics Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (CDU) and Minister of Social Affairs Manne Lucha (Greens) [7]. The conference is also expected to draw attendees from other unions and politics, reflecting the broad impact of Verdi's work.
Martin Gross, aged 64, has led Verdi's state district since 2016 and will retire this Saturday. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the union, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue through the work of Schollenberger and the new generation of leaders. With Verdi's current State Leader retiring and a new one set to take the helm, the union is poised to face the challenges and opportunities of the future with renewed vigour and commitment to its members.
[1] https://www.verdi.de/pressemitteilungen/2023/05/maike-schollenberger-kandidiert-fuer-den-verdi-landeschefposten-in-baden-wuerttemberg [2] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/maike-schollenberger-verdi-landeschefin-baden-wuerttemberg-1.5734158 [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/maike-schollenberger-kandidiert-fuer-den-verdi-landeschefposten-in-baden-wuerttemberg/28422502.html [4] https://www.verdi.de/was-verdi-tue/ [5] https://www.verdi.de/arbeitskampf/ [6] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/maike-schollenberger-kandidiert-fuer-den-verdi-landeschefposten-in-baden-wuerttemberg/28422502.html [7] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/maike-schollenberger-verdi-landeschefin-baden-wuerttemberg-1.5734158
- As a young and dedicated union leader, Maike Schollenberger is set to bring fresh perspectives to the world of politics and general news, as she takes on the role of State Leader for Verdi in Baden-Württemberg.
- Beyond her union-specific responsibilities, Schollenberger's advocacy for social justice reaches broader political issues, demonstrating her keen interest in shaping the political landscape for future generations.
