Hamburg’s public sector experienced significant disruption today as the ver.di union called for a widespread warning strike. Schools, universities, and various public service departments were affected, culminating in a demonstration of approximately 3,000 people in the city center, according to ver.di.
Demo in the Innenstadt
The demonstration began at the ver.di union hall on Besenbinderhof and proceeded to the finance authority at Adolphsplatz. Participants carried signs displaying slogans like “Gerechtigkeit” (Justice) and “Druck auf den Dressel” (Pressure on Dressel – referring to Hamburg’s Finance Senator Andreas Dressel), chanting slogans including “Mieten runter, Löhne rauf, Hamburg-Zulage obendrauf” (Lower rents, higher wages, Hamburg allowance on top). ver.di Federal Chairman Frank Werneke addressed the crowd, stating, “Ihr seid ein Kraftzentrum, weil ihr hier in Hamburg gut aufgestellt seid, kämpferisch, entschlossen und gemeinsam” (You are a powerhouse, because you are well-positioned here in Hamburg, combative, determined and united).
Ver.di Demands Seven Percent Wage Increase
ver.di, along with the dbb civil servants’ association, is demanding a seven percent wage increase for the 2.2 million public sector employees nationwide, with a minimum increase of 300 euros per month. Trainees are also being requested to receive an additional 200 euros per month. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 11-13 in Potsdam, encompassing all federal states except Hessen.
Hamburg’s Finance Senator Andreas Dressel, leading the negotiations for the states, has labeled the demands as “astronomisch” (astronomical). He maintains that a good offer is already on the table, stating, “Deswegen ärgere ich mich ein bisschen darüber, dass von Gewerkschaftsseite so getan wird, als hätten wir nichts angeboten. Das ist schlicht falsch” (That’s why I’m a little annoyed that the union side is acting as if we haven’t offered anything. That’s simply not true).
In addition to the widespread strikes, several specific sectors are already experiencing work stoppages, including the veterinary office at the port and the technical services of the fire department. Importantly, the emergency medical services are not participating in the strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sectors are currently affected by the strike?
The strike is impacting schools, universities, district offices, the Hamburg Parliament (Bürgerschaft), Hamburg-Service, the veterinary office at the port, and the technical services of the fire department.
How many people participated in the demonstration?
According to ver.di, approximately 3,000 people participated in the demonstration in Hamburg’s city center.
When are the next negotiations scheduled?
The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Potsdam from February 11-13, and will include all federal states except Hessen.
As negotiations approach, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached. Further strikes and disruptions are possible if an agreement isn’t reached, potentially impacting public services across Hamburg and beyond.
