Wednesday, February 12
Berlin strike wave: Public sector workers walk out Thursday and Friday
As Berlin braces for a bitterly cold weekend, relations between public sector workers and their employers have also turned frosty. Workers will strike on Thursday and Friday, disrupting several key services.
Rubbish collectors from the Berlin city cleaning service (BSR) will not empty bins, collect bulky waste, or operate recycling centers. Public swimming pools may open late – if at all – on both days.
The Charité and Vivantes hospital groups will also be affected, with non-urgent procedures likely postponed. However, time-critical operations and essential care will continue.
The Verdi union is demanding an 8% pay raise (or a minimum of €350) and increased funding for trainees and interns.
Other public services may be impacted, including school and university cafeterias and job centres. However, Bürgeramt appointments – already hard to come by – will not be affected.
