Union Calls for Three-Day Warning Strike in Schools

Students and parents in Berlin are bracing for disruptions in their educational routines as the Education and Science Union (GEW) has announced a three-day warning strike aimed at improving working conditions in schools. This action will impact not only teachers but also educators, social workers, and school psychologists.

While the warning strike is expected to lead to some classroom cancellations, past experiences suggest that not all teachers will participate. Typically, only a portion of the employed teaching staff takes part in such strikes, and civil servant teachers are prohibited from striking altogether.

The strike has drawn sharp criticism from Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch, particularly because it coincides with crucial examination periods, including the Abitur exams in French and the MSA exams in mathematics. The education authorities have assured that efforts are being made to ensure that exams proceed under reliable conditions.

The GEW has been advocating for a health protection agreement for approximately four years, which includes demands for smaller class sizes and other measures to alleviate the burden on staff. Despite multiple warning strikes organized to apply pressure for these changes, negotiations with the Senate have yet to yield results.

The Senate has maintained that it cannot engage in negotiations regarding such a contractual agreement due to Berlin's membership in the German States' Collective Bargaining Community (TdL). Consequently, any decisions regarding these matters would require collective agreement from the TdL.

As the demand for smaller classes remains urgent, the ongoing shortage of teachers in Berlin and other federal states exacerbates the situation. This shortage is a significant factor contributing to the overburdening of educational staff, as many educators report feeling overwhelmed.