Warning strikes in daycare centers, schools and government offices on Wednesday

Strikers stand in front of the House of Representatives during a warning strike in the public sector in Berlin. (Archive image)

Due to a warning strike in the public sector, Berliners must expect restrictions or even complete closures in daycare centers, schools and district offices on Wednesday.

The Verdi union has called for this. Employees of the fire department, police, and senate administrations are also expected to join in and participate in a large demonstration and rally in Potsdam, as Verdi spokesperson Kalle Kunkel told the German Press Agency. In Brandenburg, employees of the police, state ministries, and their subordinate authorities, among others, are being called upon to go on strike.

Several warning strikes in recent weeks

In collective bargaining negotiations with the federal states, Verdi is demanding a seven percent increase in monthly wages, but at least an additional €300 for lower wage groups. In recent weeks, there have already been widespread warning strikes in several federal states, including at schools, particularly in eastern Germany. In Berlin, the BVG was also affected recently, but its employees are not called to take part in the warning strike on Wednesday.

Around 2.2 million employees affected

Around 2.2 million employees are affected by the negotiations. Direct negotiations are being held for more than 900,000 employees covered by collective agreements. For around 1.3 million civil servants and pensioners, the outcome of the negotiations will be implemented later in the individual states by law in accordance with the unions' demands. As part of the strike, a demonstration will take place in Potsdam on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m., moving from the Lustgarten to the venue of the negotiations, the congress hotel. A closing rally will be held there at 11:45 a.m.