Unlimited Strike Begins at Charité Subsidiary CFM

Workers at the Charité subsidiary CFM have commenced an indefinite strike, effectively halting operations as of the morning shift. This decision follows the failure to reach an agreement during the fifth round of negotiations between the Verdi union and CFM management.

Approximately 3,500 employees at Charité Facility Management GmbH (CFM) are involved in various roles, including medical technology, patient transport, cleaning, and security. The union is advocating for salaries aligned with the public service wage agreement applicable at Charité, specifically for 3,200 of these workers. In a recent vote, 99.3% of Verdi members supported the call for an unlimited strike.

CFM management has expressed concerns that the union's demands could jeopardize the financial stability of the organization, citing a projected 40.9% increase in wage costs amounting to an additional EUR42.7 million annually, should they comply with the proposed changes. Management representatives have articulated their inability to meet demands that might threaten the viability of CFM.

Verdi negotiators have criticized the management's stance as a blockade, claiming there was no willingness to present a viable offer for negotiation. They also pointed out that the ongoing tariff dispute has persisted for several years, with significant implications for patient care.

The management has stated that they are prepared for the consequences of the strike, which they anticipate will lead to service disruptions. However, they are working to minimize the impact through prioritization and reorganization of workflows. Specific details regarding how these disruptions will affect patient care remain unclear.

Charité has expressed regret over the breakdown in negotiations and hopes for constructive discussions to resume soon. They acknowledged their readiness for the indefinite strike and the challenges that may arise from it.