Danger of strikes in the Chemnitz hospital: DRK employees demand more!

Danger of strikes in the Chemnitz hospital: DRK employees demand more!

A difficult situation in the health sector is imminent in Chemnitz. On Tuesday, October 17, 2025, the DRK employees at the Chemnitz-Rabenstein Hospital are planning a strike from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The reason for this step: The employers rejected the compromise proposal from the Verdi union without any counteroffer. “That’s not possible, we have to bring movement to the deadlocked negotiations,” explained a union spokesman.

Verdi's demands are clear and aim to improve working conditions for the approximately 2,200 employees. The proposal includes a gradual wage increase totaling 8 percent over 24 months and a gradual reduction in weekly working hours to 38.5 hours. In addition, more vacation days and higher supplements are required. However, employers have so far rejected all suggestions, even though the current wage level in the DRK Saxony is around 10 percent below that of other welfare associations in the region. This situation leads to massive dissatisfaction among employees.

Willingness to strike and other measures

79% of ver.di members voted against the employers' last offer - a clear sign that the mood in the team is anything but positive. It's not just salaries that are causing employees headaches. Working conditions and a lack of recognition also contribute to more and more nursing staff changing careers or giving up completely. Another strike is on the horizon and could also affect daycare centers, rescue stations and other care facilities.

In order to advance the negotiations, ver.di has already submitted a new proposal to resolve the collective bargaining dispute. The aid organization DRK itself has declared that up to 955 employees are willing to actively participate in future strikes to demand serious changes. To date, no significant progress has been made in this industry and frustration is growing.

Background to the nursing shortage

The nursing shortage in Germany is a well-known problem that has worsened over the years. According to experts like Dorothea Voss, poor pay and the large number of unfilled positions are a key issue that is leading to a massive shortage of nursing staff. She warns of a possible undersupply in the healthcare system by 2030 if working conditions do not improve. In addition, 86% of Germans are in favor of a public investment offensive in the health and care sector, which indicates the growing awareness among the population.

In recent years, attention has increased on working conditions in the healthcare sector, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. But despite an increase in information and reporting, the reality remains grim. These grievances drive many nursing staff into other professions or into unwanted part-time positions, which further exacerbates the shortage of skilled workers.

The number of shortages of skilled workers in German hospitals is estimated at over 100,000, and this could increase in the future unless targeted measures are taken to improve conditions and recruit additional skilled workers. With a comprehensive reform, be it in the area of ​​pay or working hours, staffing levels could possibly be raised to the level of other countries, but considerable political action is required here.

Against the background of these developments, both employers and politicians must act as quickly as possible in order not to lose talent in the health sector. The upcoming strike in Chemnitz could act as a catalyst for urgently needed changes in the area of ​​care and health.

Current information and developments can be found on the website of MDR, ver.di and Böckler Foundation.