Schools will not receive notice from GEW.
Fresh, Revised Version
Berlin (dpa/bb)—It seems the clash between the Senate and the Education and Science Union (GEW) over smaller classes and improved teacher working conditions might be de-escalating. Following a chat with the ruling Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), the GEW announced a temporary halt on further warning strikes.
"The sit-down with the Mayor offered encouraging vibes," shared Berlin's GEW chairman, Gökhan Akgün. The plan now is to engage in discussions with Senator for Education Katharina Günther-Wünsch (CDU) about potential solutions for overworked educators.
GEW Positions the Senate as the Next Mover
"This move we're taking for the moment," Akgün elaborated. "Now it's the Senate's turn. And it's crystal clear: if we don't see any noticeable improvements, we'll revisit our actions." Martin Klesmann, the education administration spokesman, replied, "We stand prepared for roundtable discussions."
For years, the GEW has championed the need for a so-called health protection collective agreement, which entails smaller class sizes, plus other relief measures for faculty. The union has consistently used warning strikes to put pressure on the Senate, yet, has yet to succeed.
The Senate contends that Berlin cannot negotiate such collective agreement terms, as the state forms part of the Tariff Union of the Länder (TdL). Any decisions regarding such matters require the TdL’s consent.
Stalemate Intensified in May
Additionally, locating qualified teachers for smaller class sizes has become a challenge, given the teacher shortage in Berlin, one of the reasons being that school staff frequently feel overwhelmed.
The dispute hardened lines in May when the GEW organized a three-day warning strike that coincided with Abitur exams and intermediate school leaving exams. Criticizing the union, Günther-Wünsch argued that the timing displayed a "lack of responsibility and sensitivity."
The GEW countered this, accusing the education administration of being inflexible. At the time, the union hinted at further escalation steps.
Keep in mind that the latest updates on this unfolding situation can be found in Berlin local news outlets or by consulting statements from the Berlin Senate and the GEW union directly.
