AWO Berlin employees called to strike
A strike by AWO Berlin employees may lead to restrictions in daycare centers and other facilities of the welfare association on Monday and Tuesday. The trade union Verdi has called on employees to go on a warning strike. The call is aimed at around 2000 employees. These include daycare centers, migration counseling and socio-educational support in schools and youth facilities. Further dates are November 15 and 16, as the Berlin-Brandenburg district of the union announced last week.
According to Verdi, the reason for the warning strike is the deadlock in collective bargaining between the union and AWO Berlin. In the negotiations, the Verdi bargaining commission is demanding 13.5 percent, but at least 550 euros more salary from the beginning of 2024.
The AWO Berlin regional association announced that the AWO bargaining commission had once again improved its offer in the fourth round of negotiations in October. The AWO is continuing to pursue the goal of harmonization with the public sector. Unfortunately, Verdi is insisting on immediate implementation. However, this would not be possible without a firm funding commitment from the public sector.
"The prerequisite for further negotiations is a genuine willingness to compromise on the part of Verdi as well as concrete refinancing commitments, especially from the Berlin Senate." As neither of these are currently available, the talks between Verdi and the Berlin AWO have been suspended until the budget negotiations. The new double budget is expected to be passed by the House of Representatives in December.
The trade union Verdi is also opposing the proposed tariffs by AWO Berlin, arguing that they would further strain the financial situation of the employees. The ongoing impasse in negotiations between Verdi and AWO Berlin over salary increases and tariffs could result in more strike action in the near future.
Source: www.dpa.com
