Cologne in strike fever: Employees demand more money and leisure!

Cologne in strike fever: Employees demand more money and leisure!

On February 27, 2025, a striking strike of the public service employees, which was organized by the Verdi union, occurred in Cologne. Around 1,000 striking end gathered on the Neumarkt in the morning to build up pressure in the ongoing collective bargaining. The strike affects a large number of employees, including employees of daycare centers, urban stages, Cologne baths, job centers, employment agencies and the Rheinische Musikschule. These massive protests should not only underline the demands of the employees, but also draw attention to the challenges with which they are currently confronted. KStA reports that the negotiations after the unsuccessful second negotiation round in Potsdam should be continued.

The central demand of Verdi is to increase salaries by eight percent, but at least by 350 euros per month. In addition, three additional free days are required. Increasing the training allowances and internship fees by 200 euros per month is also one of the claims. Particular attention is also paid to the proposal of a "my-time account", which is intended to offer over 2.6 million employees in the public service more time sovereignty and flexibility. These demands aim to significantly improve the living and working conditions of the employees.

disappointment and demands

Tjark Sauer, district manager of Verdi Köln-Bonn-Leverkusen, was disappointed with the behavior of employers who did not offer any offer in the second round of negotiations. Sören Hamacher, a member of the Bundestarities Commission, also criticized the poor preparation of the employers for the talks. This has also burdened the trust of the employees in the negotiation.

The next round of negotiations will take place from March 14th to 16th, with Verdi already announcing further strike measures to move the employers on specific offers. Karin Welge, President of the Association of Local Employers' Associations, was optimistic after the last meeting, but the reality on site remains tense.

solidarity and mobilization

The collective bargaining begins in January 2025 and affect around 2.5 million collective staff from the federal government and municipalities. In addition to more money, the demands also include leisure and freedom of choice. In this situation, Verdi moves the solidarity of the colleagues into the balance. These are intended to actively contribute to the collective bargaining in order to demonstrate the cohesion and strength of the employees. Many employees support the demands and have agreed to take part in a strength test by February 17, 2025 to show the unity in the movement. Verdi emphasizes that a strong community is essential to be successful in the negotiations.

Judith Grövert, Managing Director of the DGB region Cologne-Bonn, has also pointed out the lack of willingness of the employers about dialogue and urgently demanded measures to relieve employees. In this context it remains to be seen whether the upcoming discussions will lead to an improvement in the framework.