Delay in Actions Against CFM, Charité Subsidiary - Suspension of attack on CFM affiliate company
Strike at Charité Subsidiary CFM Temporarily Suspended Amid Wage Dispute
Employees of the Charité Facility Management (CFM) have temporarily halted their ongoing strike, as announced by the trade union Verdi. The decision comes after a meeting of the strike committee at Charité, with the condition that negotiations resume with the CFM management.
"While we have temporarily suspended our strike, we reserve the right to resume our action if progress in negotiations is not made," explained an employee of CFM, Anne Ruback. The union and CFM have scheduled talks for the coming Monday and Tuesday, aiming to reach an agreement on aligning wages with the TVöD public service wage agreement and improving working conditions.
Approximately 3,500 individuals work at CFM in various roles including medical technology, ambulance transport, outdoor maintenance, cleaning, and security. Verdi is advocating for an adjustment of wages in line with the TVöD agreement for about 3,200 employees working at CFM.
The stalemate in negotiations and the subsequent strike began in early May this year. Initially, CFM management proposed an 18% wage increase over a three-year period, but the union has insisted on a phased implementation of full wage equalization by 2028.
The city of Berlin, through its mayor Kai Wegner, has expressed support for fair wages and the possibility of providing financial aid. However, concrete steps have yet to be taken in this regard.
The strike has garnered significant political and public support, with local politicians and parties such as DIE LINKE Berlin Mitte expressing solidarity with the striking workers. As negotiations continue, the workers aim to reach an agreement that would grant them wages that match those of their colleagues at Charité's core staff.
"The community policy during this period may need to address the ongoing vocational training of the CFM employees, particularly in light of the negotiations. If a resolution isn't reached, the striking workforce might seek financial assistance from banks or insurance agencies within the banking-and-insurance industry to fund their vocational training programs."
"Once an agreement is reached between Verdi and CFM management regarding wages, improved working conditions, and aligning with the TVöD public service wage agreement, the proceeds could potentially be utilized for further vocational training initiatives within the CFM community."
