Lifeguard in need: Protest on Aurich marketplace for better working conditions!

Lifeguard in need: Protest on Aurich marketplace for better working conditions!

Aurich, Deutschland - On March 12, 2025, a demonstration and rally took place on the Aurich market square, at which employees in the public service took up an agreement in the ongoing collective bargaining. Among other things, the protesters demanded more money, a reduction in the weekly working hours from 48 to 42 hours and three additional free days. Ver.di calls for a salary increase of 8 percent or at least 350 euros more per month.

Timo Niebuhr, an emergency parameter from the Aurich district, spoke during the event about the acute shortage of skilled workers in the emergency services. The condition of the working conditions is determined by the unchanged regulation of 48 hours a week for the content of a 39-hour week. In the meantime, the number of operations and the service duration have increased, which further increases the burden of employees. However, the association of the municipal employers' associations (VKA) sees no need for action.

claims and political reactions

The employees from the emergency services in the districts of Ammerland, Aurich, Friesland, Wittmund and Wesermarsch take part in the demonstration and emphasize that emergency rescue is secured for the population. Niebuhr referred to the responsibility that employees have towards the population. On March 13, 2025, another demonstration will take place under the motto "Lifeguard in need" from the UBBOEMMIUS clinic to the marketplace, in which representatives from politics are also invited.

A comprehensive consideration of the shortage of skilled workers in the emergency services shows that the profession of emergency medicine is supported by more attractive training and internships in various areas such as inpatient and outpatient care as well as disabled help, such as Gesundheits--soziales-bilddi.de reported. However, the current weekly working time of 48 hours is considered problematic because it leaves little time for social contacts and relaxation. Ver.di continuously campaigns for better working conditions and three years of training for emergency medicine and paramedic.