Public service – warning strikes planned in clinics – politics

In the collective bargaining dispute in the public sector, the Verdi union is planning warning strikes in the healthcare sector for the coming week. She called for workers in hospitals, psychiatric clinics, nursing homes and the emergency services nationwide to take action on Tuesday and Wednesday. The employees protested against the offer presented by the federal and local governments in the second round of talks at the end of February, which would mean a significant loss of purchasing power, Verdi said on Friday. Verdi is demanding 10.5 percent more wages and salaries for the approximately 2.5 million employees, and at least 500 euros more money a month. The employers have offered a wage increase of five percent in two steps.