Collective bargaining in Cottbus: breakthrough for 2,350 employees!

Collective bargaining in Cottbus: breakthrough for 2,350 employees!

There was big news in Cottbus on July 10, 2025: collective bargaining negotiations at the Medical University of Lausitz - Carl Thiem (MUL-CT) were successfully concluded. This agreement brings a significant improvement in working conditions for around 2,350 non-medical employees and 570 trainees, as Cityreport reports.

After a turbulent negotiation phase that began on May 21, 2025, the final talks today have led to a breakthrough. The MUL-CT collective bargaining proposal previously presented was vehemently rejected by the ver.di union because it fell short of expectations and the usual collective agreement for the public service. A nursing specialist with 15 years of professional experience alone would have had to accept a salary difference of around 4,230 euros compared to the TVöD.

Tangible improvements for employees

Today, however, employees can breathe a sigh of relief. According to Radio Cottbus, the remuneration will be increased to 99% of the current TVöD tariff from July 2025, with a further increase to 99.5% from August 2026. This corresponds to a total wage increase of around 7%. In addition, weekly working hours will be reduced to 38.5 hours.

Another positive aspect is the introduction of additional allowances - including for shift and alternating work as well as for practical instructors. The trainees also benefit from the agreement: They will receive a monthly increase of 75 euros retroactively from April 2025 and a further increase in May 2026.

The negotiations took place in a constructive atmosphere, which is not always a given in this industry. In addition to the agreement being fixed in writing, an additional day of vacation is also in prospect from 2027.

The big picture in view

This collective bargaining agreement takes place in the context of comprehensive changes to the MUL-CT. Since the takeover of the Carl Thiem Clinic Cottbus in July 2024, medical care in the region has risen to a new level. The construction of university medicine in Lusatia is expected to be completed by the winter semester of 2026/27, and the total costs amount to around 3.7 billion euros, with the federal government covering more than half of this. These new structures cannot be administered at the same rates as before, which is why agreement is crucial for employees and future professionals.

To complete the picture, it should be noted that the reimbursement for hospital services has been increased by 6% from January 1, 2025, which represents a positive step in this direction. There was also progress in collective bargaining for doctors in municipal hospitals: These were pushed forward by the VKA and the Marburger Bund and will also see further improvements in the coming months bring.

Today shows once again: Colleagues, together we are strong! The agreement at MUL-CT will probably serve as an example for other institutions and shows that committed collective bargaining pays off.