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Protesters in Düsseldorf
Photo: Michael Gstettenbauer / IMAGO
In the deadlocked collective bargaining dispute in the public service of the federal states, the unions insist on real wage increases with their demand for five percent more money. "We will not accept a Corona emergency closure," said Ver.di boss Frank Werneke in front of 4,000 demonstrators who had moved to the central rally in front of the state parliament in Düsseldorf. "In this collective bargaining round, we will not conclude an agreement in which the special performance and commitment of our colleagues in the health care system is not seen and not recognized," he added. Thousands of public service workers took to the streets for more money in numerous other cities as well. There were larger rallies in Berlin and Munich, for example.
The union representatives strongly criticized the fact that the collective bargaining association of German states (TdL) did not put an offer on the table in two unsuccessful rounds of negotiations and before the presumably decisive third meeting in Potsdam this weekend. “We still haven't got a first offer from employers, despite weeks of negotiations. Ultimately, this is an expression of a lack of respect on the part of employers in the federal states for you, the employees, ”Werneke called out to the demo participants. He accused the finance ministers of the federal states of having only "made the route" and "touched concrete" in the weeks of negotiations.
The employees in the police, in the fire brigade, in the schools, in the daycare centers and in the health care system have experienced gratitude, respect and applause from the population.
Employers are now expected to recognize the work of their employees.
The third round of negotiations with the collective bargaining association of German states begins on Saturday in Potsdam.
The unions are demanding five percent more wages, but at least 150 euros more per month for all employees.
The negotiations affect 15 federal states.
The state of Hesse is not a member of the collective bargaining association and has already negotiated a degree separately for its state employees.
The union demands at least 300 euros more per month for employees in the health sector.
One-off payments are not enough for the union, as Werneke told the newspaper “Welt”.
Corona premiums could play a role in the overall financial statements.
Basically, however, it is about permanently better pay in the health care system and "of course also for all other employees in the countries," he said.
Public service unions are also planning further warning strikes on Friday.
According to Verdi, a rally with Werneke is planned in Stuttgart.
hej / dpa
