Doctors launch strike action across Germany

Doctors at 23 university hospitals across Germany staged strike action on Tuesday due to a collective bargaining dispute about wages and working hours, after negotiations between hospital managers and union leaders failed.

In the northern German city of Hanover, several thousand doctors were expected to rally, advocating for wage increases and restrictions on rotating shifts, reported Deutsche Welle News.

More than 20,000 doctors at university hospitals funded by Germany's 16 federal states are demanding a 12.5 percent pay increase and a rise in bonuses for regular night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Andreas Botzlar, leader of the Marburger Bund trade union, said federal states "do not want to face the fact that university hospitals are falling further and further behind — in terms of doctors' salaries as well as working conditions".

He told the DPA news agency the challenging factors of lower pay and longer working hours at university hospitals compared to other medical institutions are posing difficulties in recruiting workers.

"The states think they can make a few small cosmetic alterations and everything will be rosy again," he said. "But they're sorely mistaken; without substantial improvements, the doctors' resentment will grow."

According to the union, the strike will not disrupt urgent patient care because hospital managers are obligated to ensure emergency staffing, though there may be disruptions in clinic services.

Despite multiple rounds of collective bargaining talks, hospital leaders and the trade union have been unable to reach a deal so far.

Monika Heinold, lead negotiator for the states and finance minister for the state of Schleswig-Holstein, conveyed regret that the last round of talks did not result in an agreement.

"It remains the case that our appreciation for the work of our doctors at university hospitals ought to be reflected financially," she said.

A more positive conclusion is hoped for the next round of talks, due at the end of February, she added.

Meanwhile, just hours after train drivers in Germany concluded their nationwide strike on Monday morning, the Verdi trade union announced a new near-nationwide local transport strike, after pay negotiations failed in all federal states.

Verdi Deputy Chairwoman Christine Behle announced that industrial action will go ahead in all federal states except Bavaria on Friday.

"The time has come to put more pressure on the employers," she said. "We have a dramatic shortage of labor in public transport and incredible pressure on employees. Buses and trains are canceled every day in all fare zones because there are not enough staff."

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