Public transport, clinics, childcare – the public service in Baden is paralyzed
The Verdi services union has announced strikes in all areas of public service throughout Baden for Thursday (March 23, 2023). Among other things, almost all public transport vehicles remain in the depot. A rally is taking place on the square of the old synagogue in Freiburg. Verdi demands more wages and better working conditions in all areas of public services.
The effects of the strike day will be felt in hospitals, among other things, explains Verdi. “A reduced surgical program, partial or full closures of wards and postponements of treatments can be the effect,” says a statement. There will also be restrictions on waste disposal, as supply and disposal workers are taking part in the strike and landfills will remain closed. “Repair and maintenance work on traffic roads and public facilities will not take place on this day. Customer centers and car offices will remain closed. The scope of traffic controls will be reduced. Not all illegal parkers have to fear a ticket. Day care centers, crèches, school child care and youth facilities will remain closed. Decisions and requests for payment remain untouched.Public transport is also on strike, so that buses, trams and mountain railways remain in the depot.
Emergency care in important areas is guaranteed
According to Verdi, the aim of the strikes is to show how diverse, important and necessary public services are. Around 1,500 drivers for trams and buses were missing in Baden-Württemberg – also more than 15,000 educators. The union is therefore demanding substantial wage increases so that enough staff can be found again in the future.
Extensive emergency services have been agreed for particularly sensitive areas such as clinics and daycare centers. According to Verdi, all employees in the city of Freiburg and the municipalities and companies in the districts of Lörrach, Waldshut, Ortenau and Breisgau Hochschwarzwald have been called to strike.
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