On Tuesday 9 February, public‑sector employees in Schleswig‑Holstein staged another warning strike, just days before the start of the third round of collective‑bargaining talks. A further walk‑out by the winter‑service crews is scheduled for Thursday 12 February.
Broad coalition calls for Tuesday’s strike
The warning strike was called not only by ver.di but also by the Police Union (GdP), IG BAU and the Education and Science Union (GEW). Employees of AOK NordWest in the state also walked off the job all day. The regional transport operator VHH will begin weekly warning strikes from Wednesday.
Kiel rally draws roughly 3,000 participants
In Kiel, police estimates put the crowd at about 3,000 people marching toward the state parliament. The demonstration remained peaceful and ver.di vice‑chair Christine Behle addressed the crowd at 15 h. Traffic in the city centre was disrupted in the afternoon.
Impact on health services
According to ver.di, many of those on strike are employees of state enterprises, police authorities and nursing staff at the University Hospital Schleswig‑Holstein (UKSH). Numerous planned operations were cancelled at the hospitals in Kiel and Lübeck. Workers in road construction, state administration and coastal protection also participated.
Tariff negotiations stall
About 39 000 state employees – including civil servants and pensioners – are covered by the ongoing talks, while more than 80 000 municipal and state workers await a settlement. No agreement has emerged yet, despite repeated strikes in recent weeks. Unions are demanding a 7 % monthly wage rise or at least €300, a request the Länder‑Tarifgemeinschaft (TdL) deems excessive. The third negotiation round is set to begin on Wednesday in Potsdam.
Winter‑service strike slated for Thursday
On Thursday 12 February, the Straßenmeistereien (road‑maintenance offices) in Schleswig‑Holstein will again strike. The state road‑construction and traffic authority has already secured an emergency‑service agreement with the union. To offset staff shortages in the 22 road‑maintenance offices, external contractors are expected to step in, though some winter‑service limitations may still occur. Drivers are advised to exercise caution on icy roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are public‑sector workers striking?
They are demanding higher wages – specifically a 7 % monthly increase or a minimum of €300 – as part of the tariff negotiations that have stalled for weeks.
What are the main demands of the unions?
The unions, led by ver.di, seek a wage rise of seven percent per month or at least €300, and they have called for coordinated warning strikes across multiple public‑service sectors.
How might the strikes affect everyday services?
Strikes have already led to cancelled surgeries in Kiel and Lübeck hospitals, traffic disruptions in Kiel’s city centre, and potential restrictions in winter road maintenance, with commuters urged to drive carefully on icy streets.
How do you think the upcoming negotiation round in Potsdam will shape the future of public‑service wages and strike actions?
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