Disruptions in swimming pools and water supply resulting from labor strikes in Dusseldorf
In a united show of solidarity, cultural workers joined forces with their colleagues from daycare centres, trainees, administration, the garden office, and the baths society, participating in a strike on Wednesday, 12th February. The action, organised by the union ver.di, aimed to highlight the pressing issues faced by these employees and the validity of their demands.
The city of Düsseldorf felt the impact of the strike, with all but one city swimming pool being closed, and the wildlife park remaining shuttered. The disruption affected around 250 employees in more than 100 daycare centres, resulting in 10 percent of these facilities being closed, and an emergency service being established in 30 percent.
Despite the closures, approximately 700 public servants gathered for a rally on the town hall square, voicing their concerns and support for the strike. The strikers expressed a clear readiness to lay down work again to increase pressure on the negotiations.
The demands of ver.di are far-reaching and include an eight percent pay increase, at least 350 euros more per month, and higher allowances for particularly demanding activities. The union is also pushing for a "My Time Account" to give employees more time sovereignty and flexibility.
In addition, ver.di is advocating for part-time employees to receive an overtime offer, and for training allowances and internship remuneration to be increased by 200 euros per month. The strikers are also demanding three additional free days, as well as an extra free day for union members, to counteract the high workload.
The city reported that 553 employees participated in the warning strike actions, and the union secretary, Alexander Prieß, emphasized the importance of collective bargaining for employee progress, stating that employers would not act without it.
The second negotiation round between ver.di and the Police Union (GdP) is scheduled for February 17th and 18th in Potsdam. The strikers are eagerly awaiting the positions that employers will present in these negotiations.
Despite the disruptions caused by the strike, it did not result in any significant restrictions in the office for resident registration, citizen's offices, other authorities, and institutions. Only 19 callers contacted the i-Punkt family hotline regarding the daycare center closures.
In a call to action, Dirk Jehle, chairman of the ver.di local association Düsseldorf, urged everyone to vote and to cast their votes for democratic parties in the upcoming elections on 23rd February. Jehle emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in ensuring fair working conditions and pay for public sector employees.
The strike in Düsseldorf serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and pay in the public sector, and the role of unions in advocating for the rights of their members. As negotiations continue, the hope is that a fair and equitable resolution will be reached for all parties involved.
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