Berlin, January 14 – Parts of the nursing staff and other employees at the four Berlin DRK clinics initiated a strike on Wednesday morning. The industrial action, called by the Verdi trade union for Wednesday and Thursday, targets all personnel except doctors, encompassing approximately 2,500 employees, including therapists and skilled tradespeople. The exact number of participants remains unconfirmed, but a Verdi spokesperson indicated that the strike has resulted in limitations to patient care.
Employer’s Legal Action and Agreement on Minimum Staffing
The employer had previously filed an interim injunction against the strike at the Berlin Labour Court. However, both parties reached an agreement on Tuesday evening regarding a framework for mandatory minimum staffing levels and quota regulations for the duration of the strike. Prior to this, the employer had accused Verdi of jeopardizing patient care with the emergency service agreement proposed by the union. Verdi, conversely, asserted that the same emergency service regulation had been successfully used during a strike two years ago without any issues.
Strike to Continue Amidst Wage Demands
Following the settlement at the Labour Court, the strike is expected to proceed as planned on Thursday. The trade union is demanding a wage increase of five percent in 2026 and an additional five percent in 2027. Collective bargaining negotiations between Verdi and the DRK Kliniken have been ongoing since July 2025, with the peace obligation concluding at the end of December 2025. The DRK Kliniken Berlin operates four hospitals, a hospice, and an inpatient care facility.
Background and Broader Context
This strike is part of a broader trend of industrial action in the healthcare sector across Germany. Similar warning strikes have recently taken place at university hospitals, with hundreds of employees laying down their work to press for better wages and working conditions. The rising cost of living and persistent staff shortages are key drivers behind these disputes.
Impact on Patient Care and Future Outlook
While the agreement on minimum staffing aims to mitigate the impact on urgent patient care, the strike will undoubtedly cause disruptions and delays in non-emergency services. The outcome of these negotiations at the Berlin DRK clinics could set a precedent for future collective bargaining agreements in the German healthcare system. Further discussions are anticipated as both sides seek a resolution that addresses employee demands while ensuring the financial viability of the healthcare providers.
Source: https://www.aerzteblatt.de/news/personal-an-berliner-drk-kliniken-im-streik-9c7f55a5-6baa-45ac-b283-492b3644a317
