Ongoing Strike at Charité Subsidiary CFM Persists - Persisting Attack on Subsidiary of CFM Remains Unabated
Berlin's Charité University Hospital faces ongoing disruption as a strike at its Facility Management (CFM) subsidiary enters its fourth day. The action, initiated by the trade union Verdi, involves approximately 3,500 employees who are demanding equal pay, an end to outsourcing, and fair recognition.
The strike, which includes staff in medical technology, patient transport, cleaning, security, and other non-medical services, aims to challenge the "two-class" system that currently exists due to outsourcing. Strikers argue that many CFM employees earn significantly less than their directly-employed counterparts at Charité.
While the strike is affecting various non-medical services, essential functions such as cleaning, transport, catering, and maintenance are being maintained. The employees support these services to ensure the hospital's smooth operation during the dispute.
Growing public pressure has been imposed on the Berlin Senate, who have repeatedly failed to deliver on past promises of reintegration and better pay in coalition agreements. An "emergency service agreement" has been implemented to maintain minimum staff levels, but this has not discouraged strike participation, which remains high.
Previously, negotiation rounds, including the most recent fifth round, have ended without an agreement due to the management's refusal to present a negotiatable offer. The union has proposed a phased plan for wage equalization over three years, but this has been rejected by CFM management. Without concrete action, workers have demonstrated their unwavering determination, and the strike continues.
Key demands include equal pay for equal work, the abolition of the two-class workforce, and respect and fair recognition for their essential contributions to Charité's operation. As tensions remain high, the outcome of negotiations remains uncertain.
- The ongoing strike at Charité University Hospital's Facility Management subsidiary, demanding equal pay and an end to outsourcing, has sparked discussions about workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness within the industry, particularly exploring the impact of vocational training on equal opportunities in the finance and business sectors.
- As a solution to break the deadlock in negotiations, some have proposed incorporating science-backed strategies for vocational training in the formulation of the community policy, with the aim of improving the vocational skills of the CFM employees, thereby addressing the pay disparity and fostering a more unified workforce.
- The prolonged strike has exposed the need for eradicating two-class systems within the workplace and advocating for holistic health-and-wellness policies across all sectors, including hospitals and industries, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for vocational training and essential contributions.
