Verdi is demanding 10.5 percent more income for public sector employees in the federal states. In some cities, the union is therefore calling for another strike in the collective bargaining dispute.
As part of the ongoing warning strikes in the collective bargaining dispute in the federal states’ public services, the Verdi union is calling on employees in Bremen, Hamburg and Berlin for a “city-state strike day”. Thousands of employees from all areas of the state’s public service are expected to take part in rallies in Berlin and Hamburg on Wednesday, the union announced. Bremen employees would join the rallies in Hamburg.
In the collective bargaining negotiations that started at the end of October, Verdi and other unions are demanding 10.5 percent more income for public sector employees in the federal states, but at least 500 euros more per month – for a period of twelve months. Trainees should receive 200 euros more. Verdi confirmed that a city state allowance of 300 euros more per month would also be required for employees in Bremen, Hamburg and Berlin. Young talent should therefore receive 150 euros more.
“Unlike in the rest of the federal states, municipal tasks in the city states are also taken over by state employees – but they are often paid less than employees in municipalities,” the union said in justification. There are different classifications for certain activities and no higher grouping at the same level, which also results in less money.
Last year, Verdi also implemented “noticeable improvements” in the social and educational services in the municipalities. The state employees would not receive this. The union’s deputy chairwoman, Christine Behle, emphasized: “The employees must be able to afford to work in Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen, which is why they are fighting for a city-state allowance.”
Life in big cities is significantly more expensive than in the surrounding areas. Many employees have therefore already changed jobs or are thinking about it.
Source: Stern
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