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Ver.di demonstration in Düsseldorf: Two negotiation dates passed unused
Photo: IMAGO/Michael Gstettenbauer
With numerous warning strikes and a large rally, employees in the municipal social and educational services have increased the pressure on employers.
At a large demonstration in Gelsenkirchen, the national chairman of the Ver.di union, Frank Werneke, called on employers to submit an offer in the next round of negotiations.
"The time is ripe for social appreciation and recognition," said Werneke in front of around 10,000 participants, according to Ver.di.
"The employees in the social professions and care keep the shop running."
Numerous strikes
The current collective bargaining dispute with the Association of Municipal Employers' Associations (VKA) is about better working conditions, measures to counter the shortage of skilled workers and better pay in municipal social and educational services.
With a view to the forthcoming third round of negotiations on May 16 and 17 in Potsdam, Ver.di had mobilized its members for numerous strike measures.
According to trade union information, there was no movement in the first two rounds of negotiations for the around 330,000 employees nationwide - social workers, educators and employees in daycare centers, school all-day facilities and help for the disabled.
»It is irresponsible on the part of the employer to let two negotiation appointments go by unused.
It is time to improve the situation in social work by relieving the burden on employees, children, young people and families,” demanded Andrea Becker, Ver.di State Department Head NRW.
Should the employers in Potsdam not bring in a negotiable offer, the strike will continue, she said on Wednesday.
Up to and including Friday, Ver.di had again called for further warning strikes in many NRW cities, including in the daycare centers.
Numerous day-care centers for children were affected by the strike measures.
Sometimes there was only emergency care.
This Thursday, Ver.di wants to draw attention to the problems with live broadcasts throughout Germany in a digital strike conference that will be streamed on social media such as Facebook and YouTube.
mik/dpa-AFX