Strike at the Leipzig Heart Center: Verdi fights for fair wages!

Strike at the Leipzig Heart Center: Verdi fights for fair wages!

On August 11, 2025, the employees of the Leipzig Heart Center are called on to go on strike. The Verdi union, which is behind this action, would like to increase the pressure in the ongoing collective bargaining. It is a step that puts the ongoing negotiations between the Helios hospital chain and the union in a new light. Verdi is calling for wages to be adjusted to those of other Helios locations in Plauen, Leisnig and Aue in order to increase its attractiveness as an employer and to attract and retain skilled workers, as MDR reports.

The clinic group Helios, for its part, reacts to the demands with a clear rejection. A spokeswoman for Helios says that the package recently presented “can more than keep up” with the collective bargaining agreements at other locations. This statement shows that Helios' negotiating position is strong. The union has not lost sight of the situation either. Verdi sees this standoff as an opportunity to set an example by taking into account the increased demands and increasing cost pressure for employees.

Background to collective bargaining

These disputes are not new. Already on June 5, 2025, there was an all-day strike at the Leipzig Heart Center, which Verdi had organized. Despite several rounds of negotiations, the employees' key concerns remained unmet, which ultimately led to the strike. The date was chosen to send a clear signal before the next round of negotiations, which took place on June 11th. The union was willing to compromise, but demanded movement from the employer side.

Important issues on the table included salary increases to reflect inflation, as well as a monthly allowance of 125 euros for long-term employees, which was viewed as inadequate by employers. The resistance to a demand for additional vacation days illustrates the hardened fronts in this collective bargaining dispute. Jennifer Roll, a nurse and member of the ver.di collective bargaining commission, summed it up: “We demand real recognition for the daily performance of the employees and fair collective bargaining on an equal footing,” as verdi stated.

Looking at the broader healthcare situation

The disputes at Helios are part of a larger trend that is running through the healthcare landscape in Germany. As early as March 6, 2025, the Verdi union carried out warning strikes in numerous health facilities to put pressure on employers. They are demanding, among other things, a salary increase of 8% or at least 350 euros more per month, higher surcharges for stressful working hours and additional days off. These nationwide activities show that the problems in the health sector are far-reaching in nature and not just local concerns.

In the coming weeks, the pendulum in negotiations could continue to move as the relationship between employers and employees is put to the test. Experts agree: It is time to find sustainable solutions that meet the needs of employees. We'll stay tuned and report on developments in this exciting collective bargaining dispute.