Verdi: 550 employees at Düsseldorf University Hospital go on strike
Warning strikes in the public sector have restricted operations at Düsseldorf University Hospital, according to the trade union. 550 employees took part in the one-day walkout that began on Tuesday morning, according to a Verdi spokeswoman. "There was certainly an impact on the operating theater." There had already been warning strikes at the hospital last week, in which roughly the same number of people took part. According to Verdi, only 15 of 33 operating theaters were in operation at the time due to staff shortages.
Those who were really unwell would be treated despite the warning strike - if necessary, warning strikers could stand in. This is provided for in a corresponding agreement between employers and Verdi. However, this emergency service agreement had not been drawn up by midday on Tuesday, according to the union.
There were also work stoppages on Tuesday at Heinrich Heine University, Bielefeld University and Fröndenberg Prison Hospital. On Wednesday, strikes are planned at the university hospitals in Essen, Cologne and Münster as well as at various authorities, such as the public prosecutor's office in Cologne. According to Verdi plans, the Bonn University Hospital will be among those affected on Thursday. In the deadlocked wage dispute, Verdi is demanding 10.5 percent more money for employees, but at least 500 euros. This is too much for the employers.
The ongoing wage dispute has prompted trade unions, including Verdi, to consider applying tariffs on certain services if their demands are not met. Furthermore, the action of striking employees at various institutions, including the University Hospital in Düsseldorf, has necessitated discussions between union leaders and hospital management about potential adjustments to tariffs in the provision of emergency services during strikes.
Source: www.dpa.com
