MARBURG/GIESSEN (dpa-AFX) - After three rounds without results so far, collective bargaining for the non-medical employees of the University Hospital Giessen and Marburg will continue this Wednesday (11.00 a.m.) in Giessen. The Verdi trade union insisted on an improved offer for the approximately 7,000 employees even before the talks began. Parallel to the negotiations, it also called for warning strikes at both hospital sites.

Verdi trade union secretary Fabian Dzewas-Rehm explained that the current offer could be a basis for further negotiations, but that the employer would have to make further progress in order to find a solution to the wage dispute. A decision will "definitely be made in the fourth round", said Dzewas-Rehm: if no negotiable offer is presented, there could also be a longer strike. According to Dzewas-Rehm, around 200 to 300 team delegates from various areas of work will meet in Giessen on Wednesday to accompany the talks and discuss how to proceed. "Our colleagues know their power and are prepared to fight for further improvements," said the union representative.

Verdi is demanding an eleven percent wage increase for the approximately 7,000 non-medical employees of the privatized university hospital, but at least 600 euros more. In addition to an inflation bonus, the hospital's management had recently offered a pay increase of 200 euros from June 1 this year as well as a further 5.5 percent pay rise - but at least 340 euros from both pay increases combined - from January 1, 2025. It had also called on the workforce not to strike, but to reach a solution at the negotiating table./csc/DP/zb