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Protests at Berlin School - Strike at CFM Subsidiary Underway
The drums of discord resonate at Berlin's Charité Facility Management GmbH (CFM), where a protracted labor dispute, spearheaded by the United Services Trade Union (Verdi), has led to a lengthy spell of strikes. According to Gisela Neunhoffer, a Verdi negotiator, "We're on strike" for fairer pay[1]. This strike, escalating since the early shift on April 2, 2025, is set to run until the end of the night shift on Friday morning. negotiations with management are slated for Friday[2].
Over 3,500 employees, hailing from sectors such as medical technology, patient transport, outdoor maintenance, cleaning, and security, are embroiled in this standoff[3]. Verdi intends for 3,200 of these employees to receive wages according to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service that applies at Charité. The last strike was called off on Friday[2]. Through a vote, Verdi members at CFM backed unlimited strikes[3].
- Charité
- CFM
- Verdi
- Strike
- Berlin
- Gisela Neunhoffer
- Wage Dispute
Prolonged Tussle
The ongoing strike started on April 2, 2025, following the collapse of the fifth round of negotiations between Verdi and CFM management. It effectively disrupted operations since the beginning of the shift that day[4][5]. After a few days, the strike was temporarily halted after the night shift on April 4, 2025, strategically. Nevertheless, Verdi reserved the right to escalate the situation further[3].
A brief, two-day strike followed around April 16-18, 2025, involving roughly 600 employees each day[4]. This too ended, with plans for further strike action from April 22[4]. All these actions were initiated ahead of a scheduled negotiation on April 25, 2025[4].
Demands and Concerns
- Verdi's central demand is that 3,200 of the CFM employees receive pay in line with the public service wage agreement applicable at Charité[1][3].
- The union emphasizes the need for living wages, addressing longstanding issues of precarious employment and wage disparities[5].
Management's Stance
- CFM management contends that Verdi's wage demands could destabilize the company, forecasting a 40.9% increase in wage costs, equating to an annual expense of approximately EUR 42.7 million[1].
- Management, in an attempt to thwart the strikes, has resorted to legal measures, though courts have allowed the strikes to proceed, deeming essential services necessary for patient care[3].
The Road Ahead
The upcoming negotiation on April 25, 2025, looms large. Verdi promises to persist in taking bargaining action until a "reasonable and negotiable" offer materializes from CFM. The dispute has simmered for several years, with union members accusing management of refusing to engage seriously, labelling their stance as a barrier to progress[1].
- The strike at Charité Facility Management GmbH (CFM) in Berlin, led by Verdi, has been ongoing since April 2, 2025, disrupting operations since the beginning of the shift that day.
- Over 3,200 employees at CFM are demanding wages according to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service that applies at Charité, a demand that management contends could destabilize the company.
- The upcoming negotiation on April 25, 2025, is crucial as Verdi vows to continue taking bargaining action until a fair offer is made.
- The union has emphasized the need for living wages, seeking to address longstanding issues of precarious employment and wage disparities.
- CFM management has resorted to legal measures in an attempt to thwart the strikes, while courts have allowed the strikes to proceed, deeming essential services necessary for patient care.
