Strike Action at Charité, Vivantes, and BSR: Partial Service Disruptions in Berlin

In Berlin, a significant strike action is taking place on Thursday, affecting various essential services. The strike, organized by the Verdi union, has led to a partial suspension of operations at the Berlin Waste Management Company (BSR), with no waste collection scheduled across the city. This disruption has been attributed to a high participation rate in the strike, which has resulted in the cessation of all garbage collection, bulky waste pickups, and operations at recycling facilities, according to Verdi's union secretary, Lisa Baumeister.

Due to the internal organization of their work, even employees who were not participating in the strike are unable to fulfill their duties, and they will not receive wages during this period. Baumeister emphasized that this scenario reflects the strength of the strike movement within BSR.

In addition to BSR, healthcare services at Charité and Vivantes hospitals are also impacted. Non-medical staff at these medical facilities have joined the strike in response to ongoing wage negotiations affecting public service employees at the federal and municipal levels. Charité is preparing for significant disruptions, having postponed non-urgent surgical procedures. However, critical operations, such as life-saving surgeries, will continue as scheduled.

At Vivantes hospitals, the management has indicated that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. A spokesperson noted that no planned surgeries had been canceled in advance, and emergency cases will still be prioritized, ensuring that urgent medical needs are met without delay.

In conjunction with the strikes, a demonstration is set to occur at 10 AM on Thursday at the Campus Virchow Klinikum, where striking workers will march through the Wedding district.

Verdi's demands in the ongoing negotiations include an eight percent salary increase, or a minimum of EUR350 more per month. The union is also advocating for higher allowances for particularly demanding jobs, as well as a EUR200 monthly increase in training allowances and stipends for interns. Furthermore, the union is requesting an additional three days off for employees.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place from March 14 to 16 in Potsdam, where both parties will continue to discuss these pressing issues.