Collective bargaining dispute settled: More money for employees at the Carl Thiem Clinic!

Collective bargaining dispute settled: More money for employees at the Carl Thiem Clinic!

There is finally light at the end of the tunnel: the collective bargaining dispute at the Medical University of Lausitz, also known as the Carl Thiem Klinikum, has been successfully resolved. How daily news reported, agreements were reached between the employers and the Verdi union on Thursday evening. Around 2,350 non-medical employees and 570 trainees are affected.

The new collective agreement provides for a total seven percent wage increase for the next two years. In addition, the trainees are paid an additional 150 euros per month. In addition, weekly working hours will fall to 38.5 hours, which will make many employees happy. An additional day of vacation will be granted from 2027 and rotation and shift allowances will also be increased.

More money for more commitment

An important point the union raised during negotiations was appreciation for the often challenging working conditions in the healthcare sector. Among other things, the surcharges for shift and night work were increased. Verdi had previously called for a 12 percent wage increase and a shortening of weekly working hours, insisting on full wage compensation. According to the union, these regulations are necessary to make working conditions more bearable and to increase the attractiveness of healthcare professions.

Some of the regulations to increase employee satisfaction and motivation also include financial incentives for short-term replacement. These measures are particularly relevant given the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Anyone who works in the healthcare sector knows how important it is to attract and, above all, retain good staff. ZDF In this context, emphasizes that the need for skilled workers will continue to increase in the next few years unless fundamental reforms are implemented in the supply structures. The current situation is forcing many skilled workers to work part-time, which is increasing the pressure on the labor market.

Integrated into the future

Another important aspect that the Medical University of Lausitz is striving for is the involvement of the population in the development of a new university clinic. According to plans, this will be available to medical students from the winter semester of 2026/27. By 2038, the total costs for establishing university medicine are estimated to be around 3.7 billion euros, with the federal government covering more than half of this amount.

These positive developments give hope for a stabilization in the healthcare system. The success story of the agreement in the collective bargaining dispute will certainly be helpful in overcoming the challenge of the shortage of skilled workers in the region. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will actually take effect. The coming months will show whether the new tariffs are not just a short-term success, but can also ensure the quality and safety of health care in the long term.