Public sector worker's strike arrives in Düsseldorf on Wednesday
Union ver.di to Strike in Düsseldorf: Pressure Mounts Ahead of Second Round of Negotiations
Tensions are running high in Düsseldorf as union ver.di has announced a series of strikes, starting on February 12, 2025. The action is intended to increase pressure on employers before the second round of wage negotiations in the public sector.
The strikes will involve employees from various sectors, including daycare centres, baths company, city administration, job centre, employment agency, city and regional savings bank Düsseldorf. However, at the moment, there is no talk of public transport being affected.
The union's chairperson, Stephanie Peifer, expressed dissatisfaction with the first round of negotiations, stating that employees are furious. She emphasized the need for solutions for staff shortages and work intensification, and a strong signal to make the public sector more attractive for specialists.
In the first round of negotiations, ver.di demanded an eight percent increase in salary, at least 350 euros more per month, three additional free days, increased training allowances, and internship remunerations by 200 euros per month. These demands were rejected by the representatives of the federal and municipal governments, citing a difficult financial situation.
Parents who have children in municipal daycare facilities can find information about possible closures and the offer of emergency groups from 8 am on February 12, 2025, at the i-Punkt family under 0211-8998870. The department for social affairs and youth will react on a case-by-case basis due to the strike.
Non-striking specialists will work as usual and provide care for children to the extent that staff is available. Nationwide, there is a shortage of staff for around 500,000 positions in the public sector.
The third round of negotiations is planned from March 14 to 16, 2025, in Potsdam. Stephanie Peifer stated that the union is putting pressure on the employers to present a negotiable offer in the next round of negotiations. A demonstration will be held in front of the town hall in Düsseldorf at 9 am.
Additionally, ver.di has announced more strikes in the second round of negotiations for the public sector, scheduled for February 17 and 18. Warning strikes will take place in various cities, including Düsseldorf on these dates.
The union's actions in Düsseldorf are part of a larger movement, as ver.di has been pushing for better working conditions and wages in the public sector across Germany. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future collective bargaining agreements in the sector.
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