Dog bites destroy playground equipment in Weimar – city warns!

Dog bites destroy playground equipment in Weimar – city warns!

There are currently some worrying developments in Weimar. In numerous playgrounds it has been found that playground equipment is severely damaged by dog ​​bites. Moving plastic parts, such as swing seats and seat shells, are particularly affected. The city administration has already issued warnings and emphasized that dogs are prohibited in playgrounds. Anyone who does not adhere to this regulation must expect fines of up to 5,000 euros. In order to counteract the problem, the security service will now carry out more checks. In addition, damage can be reported via the municipal defect detector, as reported by Radio Lotte.

While the playground situation is the focus, there were also warning strikes at Coca-Cola in Weimar and Halle on Monday, which were carried out as part of the ongoing collective bargaining. The NGG union is demanding an increase in wages of 150 euros, as well as five percent more for employees and 120 euros for trainees. In contrast, the company has only offered an increase of 1.5 percent for 2026. Collective bargaining talks will continue from November 10th to 12th. Due to the strikes, there could be delays in planned deliveries to companies, which will further exacerbate the situation for many of those affected.

Cultural renewal and support for trainees

The culture barn at the Hofatelier in Niedergrunstedt, which recently received a new roof covering, stands in a pleasing light. The work, which has been running since mid-September, was carried out as a training project by the Dach Schneider company, in which trainees in the roofing trade were able to gain important practical experience. The costs of the renovation amount to around 30,000 euros. This shows that the combination of training and practical application can be implemented very successfully.

Weimar trainees now have another reason to be happy: the new online service “Dr. Azubi” is now available. This offer from the German Federation of Trade Unions is valuable support because it enables around-the-clock advice on questions about wages, overtime, vacation and other important topics. The aim is to help young people to know their rights better and to receive support if they have problems in their training. In this way, an attempt is made to reduce the challenges for young people and to offer them a secure foundation for their professional future.

Demands for recognition and improvement of working conditions

Concerned voices can be heard elsewhere in Weimar. Ver.di has called for an all-day warning strike on February 19, 2025, aimed at collectively agreed employees, trainees and students. The institutions mentioned include not only the city of Weimar, but also numerous independent companies, and even the Thuringian long-distance water supply is affected. The demands are clear: a wage increase of at least 8 percent, surcharges for stressful activities and an increase in training and intern remuneration by 200 euros. The right to more days off and greater flexibility through a “My Time Account” are also required. The background is the rising cost of living, which creates a framework in which employees must be given more recognition and appreciation, as can be seen from the reports from ver.di.

In times like these, it is to be hoped that the city and companies will respond to people's legitimate concerns and find solutions that benefit both citizens and employees.