Bonn in strike fever: 1,000 employees demand real appreciation!

Bonn in strike fever: 1,000 employees demand real appreciation!

on February 4, 2025, in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, there was an important rally with around 1,000 public service employees. This demonstration was part of the warning strikes that aim at better working conditions. The reason for the protests was the lack of specific offers from the employer in the first round of negotiations, which took place in Potsdam. In the coming weeks there are also two other rounds of the collective bargaining, for which the unions hope.

The meeting was strongly shaped by representatives of the unions. Sandra van Heemskerk, the chair of the Komba NRW, made it clear the need to strengthen the public service. Christian Dröttboom, chairman of the Komba local association Bonn/Rhein-Sieg, emphasized the demand for fair payment, which must meet the challenges of current time. Matthäus Fandrejewski, chairman of the DBB youth, also called for an indefinite takeover after successful vocational training in order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers.

demands of the protesting

The central demands that became loud during the rally include serious appreciation for the employees to increase the attractiveness of the public service and to relieve the employees. These demands also reflect the concerns that Verdi, one of the relevant unions, also demanded. Verdi fights for an increase in salaries by 8 % or at least 350 euros per month and for higher surcharges for stressful activities. The increase in the training allowances and internship fees for 200 euros per month as well as the introduction of a "my time account" to increase the time sovereignty are also on the agenda.

The warning strikes in the public service will pick up speed in the next few days. Appropriate promotions are also planned in cities such as Kehl, Heilsruhe, Ostfildern, Nürtingen and Kirchheim/Teck on the same day. These strike movements are a direct result of the supposedly inadequate first round of negotiations, which took place on January 28th. Verdi had already postponed a first round of negotiations for February 24, which led to the current protests.

Details on the collective bargaining

The next collective bargaining for the public service is scheduled for February 17 and 18 and for March 14 to 16, 2025. In the TvöD BUND 2024 wage table, an increase of 200 euros and 5.5 % for employees is planned until the end of the year. Similar raising and demands are also planned for the area of ​​the VKA. The union sees these developments as a necessary step in the face of the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Ulrich Silberbach, the Federal Chairman of the German Civil Service Association, explicitly warns of the dangers that this deficiency brings for the public service.

This demonstration is therefore not only an expression of dissatisfaction, but also the hope of a positive development in the upcoming negotiations. The commitment of the employees shows how serious the situation in the public service is perceived and how changes are urgently challenged.

For further details on the protest event and the current developments in the collective bargaining, visit the articles of dbb , Staatsanzeiger as well as the information from Gew .