Verdi has announced a series of warning strikes in Berlin and Brandenburg, impacting various sectors including administration, waste management, daycare, and healthcare facilities. The strikes are particularly prominent at waste disposal companies in Potsdam and South Brandenburg, as well as at major healthcare institutions like Charité and Vivantes. While emergency services will continue to operate, the strikes aim to emphasize the urgent need for improved salary negotiations. Verdi demands an 8% salary increase, a minimum of 350 euros more per month, and three additional days off for public sector employees.
In Berlin, the strikes have led to disruptions in waste collection, with the Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) halting operations for regular trash, organic waste, and recyclables. As a result, residents can expect delays in waste disposal services, and self-delivery of waste has been postponed.
The backdrop of these strikes is an ongoing tariff negotiation process with federal and municipal authorities. A third round of discussions is scheduled for March 14, 2023. Despite recent warning strikes, many public sector workers remained on duty amid winter weather challenges. As the situation develops, Verdi continues to exert pressure on the government, advocating for better working conditions and flexible work models in the public sector. The escalating unrest highlights the critical need for dialogue between workers and employers to address longstanding grievances.
