Health care workers across Germany go on strike

Healthcare workers at more than 200 facilities across Germany were on strike on Thursday, with an estimated 800 workers in Berlin alone participating.

The single-day "warning strike" came during the second round of contract negotiations between the Verdi trade union and federal and local governments. The contract covers roughly 2.5 million public workers, including those in healthcare, transportation, and firefighting sectors.

The union is demanding an 8% pay raise, increased bonuses, and additional paid vacation.

The VKA municipal employers' associations rejected the demands as unaffordable, stating it would result in additional costs of approximately 11% for municipalities, which translates to an annual loss of €15 billion.

Municipal employers say union demand unaffordable

The VKA municipal employers' associations rejected the demands as unaffordable, stating it would result in additional costs of approximately 11% for municipalities, which translates to an annual loss of €15 billion ($16 billion).

Shutting down critical services "primarily harms citizens," VKA representative Niklas Benrath said. He added the associations are looking for a "sustainable solution" to the dispute.

The third round of negotiations is set to take place in Potsdam, outside Berlin, next week.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse