Verdi calls for warning strike at Berlin universities
The trade union Verdi has called for a warning strike at Berlin universities on Monday. The central strike rally is planned from 12 noon in front of Humboldt University in Berlin-Mitte, as Verdi announced on Wednesday.
As part of the wage negotiations with the federal states, the union is demanding a salary increase of 10.5 percent, at least 500 euros and 200 euros more for trainees and junior staff. Verdi is also pushing for a collective agreement to be concluded for student employees.
"There is enormous dissatisfaction at universities about the real wage losses due to the enormous price increases," says Stefanie Nickel from the Verdi Federal Collective Bargaining Commission. "A good collective agreement is extremely important, especially for administrative, technical and secretarial staff, but also for mid-level staff, who often only have part-time contracts."
Working conditions at Berlin's universities will also be a topic of discussion during a university action day. Verdi criticized that staff shortages, overwork, unattractive pay and high staff turnover are the main reasons for dissatisfaction in administration, technology and services.
The call to strike applies to employees at Humboldt University, the Technical University, the Free University and the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, among others. The next round of collective bargaining is scheduled for December 7 and 8.
The trade unions at other German universities might consider joining Verdi's cause, as they also face similar issues with tariffs on increased costs affecting their staff's real wages. With the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations in December, trade unions could push for the implementation of tariff adjustments to address these concerns.
Source: www.dpa.com
