Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Verdi Warn Strikes Disrupt University Hospitals in NRW as Berlin Court Scrutinizes Emergency Staffing

The actions seek leverage before a second bargaining round in Potsdam at week’s end.

Overview

  • Two‑day walkouts hit the university hospitals in Cologne, Bonn and Essen, with a one‑day strike in Düsseldorf, while emergency cover remains in place for urgent cases.
  • Hospitals reported significant disruptions, including about 40% of planned procedures canceled in Essen and sharply reduced operating capacity in Cologne, according to union and clinic statements.
  • The work stoppages extend to universities and state administration in several regions, with further public‑sector warning strikes announced for Wednesday and Thursday in Berlin and for Wednesday in Hamburg.
  • DRK Kliniken Berlin sought an injunction over Verdi’s emergency staffing plan, as the labor court questioned employer demands that resembled full regular staffing.
  • Verdi is seeking a 7% pay rise or at least €300 monthly for 925,000 Länder employees under TV‑L, which employers deem unaffordable, with negotiations resuming on January 15–16 in Potsdam.