Union advocates for a trio of cautionary work stoppages in educational institutions
Get Ready for an Educational Disruption in Berlin
Prepare yourself, parents of schoolchildren in Berlin, as you might experience some schooling-related restrictions within the next couple of weeks. The Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) has announced a three-day warning strike, scheduled from May 13 to 15. This strike will involve more than just the regular teachers; it'll also encompass educators, social pedagogues, school psychologists, and other school staff.
The GEW has been advocating for years for a collective agreement on health protection. This agreement includes provisions like smaller classes, relief for employees, and improved working conditions. However, their demands have yet to be met by the Senate. The Senate raises the argument that Berlin, as a member of the Tarifgemeinschaft der Länder (TdL), cannot negotiate such collective agreement provisions independently. Instead, the TdL must reach a unanimous decision on such matters.
With a shortage of teachers in Berlin, just like in many other federal states, smaller classes would necessitate more educators. The overwhelming workload of employees at schools is, in part, due to this teacher shortage.
The GEW's primary aim for this strike is to reduce class sizes and improve overall working conditions, though they have not explicitly stated demands related to health protection itself. Better working conditions often involve aspects of health and safety, as they contribute to a healthier work environment indirectly. A less stressful and more supportive educational environment can indirectly benefit health protection.
Barely a week before these contentious strike days, Berlin's Education Senator, Katharina Günther-Wünsch, expressed concerns. She criticized the timing of the strike, as it coincides with critical exams like the Abitur, potentially causing disruptions[1]. Nonetheless, the GEW persists, demonstrating their determination to bring about change for the betterment of both students and teachers alike.
The announced three-day strike by the Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) in Berlin, starting from May 13 to 15, extends beyond teachers to include educators, social pedagogues, school psychologists, and other school staff, advocating for smaller class sizes and improved working conditions, which aligns with the broader topic of education-and-self-development. This struggle for improved conditions in the education sector may have wider implications, as politics often play a role in shaping the future of education, making it a general-news item.
Moreover, the GEW's push for smaller class sizes and improved working conditions, though not explicitly stated, indirectly addresses issues related to health protection, emphasizing the importance of a healthier and less stressful educational environment, which is a vital aspect of both education-and-self-development and politics.
