Wave of Warning Strikes Hits Jena: University Hospital, Universities, and Daycares Affected

Jena/Potsdam. Yellow high-visibility vests dominate the cityscape at strategically important points in Jena today. Shortly before the potentially decisive round of negotiations in the public sector labor dispute of the federal states, the unions—led by ver.di—have called for massive work stoppages. This Tuesday is marked by protest, affecting large parts of the public infrastructure in the Saalestadt.

Who is Striking in Jena: From the Clinic to the Lecture Hall

The impact of the walkout is clearly felt in Jena. A particular focus is on the Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ) in Lobeda. Employees there have been called upon to stop work, which may lead to delays in clinical operations. Experience shows, however, that emergency service agreements are made during strikes in the healthcare sector to ensure the care of emergency and critical patients at all times. Nevertheless, planned, non-essential operations may be postponed.

But it is not just the healthcare sector that is affected. The strike call also extends to the education sector:

• Universities: At the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität and the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule, disruptions in administration and library operations may occur.
• Schools and Horte: Parents of school-age children must show flexibility today. According to reports, lessons and care services such as the Schulhort are partially cancelled in Thüringen.
• Daycares of the Studierendenwerk: The daycare centers operated by the Studierendenwerk are also part of the industrial action, presenting student and working parents with childcare bottlenecks.

In Jena, strikers are expected to gather for a central rally to emphasize their demands.

Background: Hardened Fronts at the Negotiation Table

Today’s warning strike is a targeted signal to the employers, the Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder (TdL). The unions intend to maximize pressure shortly before the next round of negotiations, which is scheduled for tomorrow in Potsdam.

The positions remain far apart. Ver.di and the civil service association dbb are demanding for the approximately 900,000 public sector employees (and indirectly for civil servants):

• A 7 percent salary increase, but at least 300 euros more per month.
• A 200 euro increase for junior staff.
• A collective agreement term of twelve months.

The employers’ side recently proposed a five percent wage increase with a very long term of 29 months. Ver.di deputy chair Christine Behle rejected this as “too low” and the term as “too long.” Meanwhile, employer associations sharply criticized the strike strategy: “First strike, then negotiate – that destroys trust,” complained the Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Arbeitgeberverbände (BDA).

Conclusion and Outlook

For the citizens of Jena, today means patience and a need for improvisation. The warning strike is the last major push before tomorrow, Wednesday, when negotiations continue in Potsdam. Should an agreement be reached there, further strikes are likely to be averted. However, if the talks fail again, there is a threat of indefinite strike action in the coming weeks, which could paralyze public life for a much longer period.

We will keep you updated on the results of the negotiations and possible further impacts for Jena.

Read original article in German