Trade union announces protests for "Care Day"

The service trade union Verdi is calling for a protest in front of the Saxon state parliament on Nursing Day next Tuesday. Verdi justified this with plans for cuts in the healthcare system. On International Nurses' Day, they want to draw attention to the impending deterioration in working and care conditions.

Verdi fears a backwards role in nursing care for the elderly and sick

"There is a threat of a backwards role in both nursing care for the elderly and sick, in hospitals and in the rehabilitation sector," warned Verdi secretary Nora Glaser. The cuts currently being discussed would worsen care. The successes of recent years in making working conditions in the healthcare sector more attractive would be at stake.

"If we do not oppose the plans loudly and clearly now, employees and patients will suffer the consequences for years to come. We cannot allow this to happen," emphasized Glaser. The protest is taking place alongside a session of the Saxon state parliament.

Theses for good care to be handed over

Even before the federal government's planned draft bill, the Dresden Care Alliance drew up eight theses for good care, which are now to be handed over to the state parliament. "We are taking to the streets and speaking out against hospital closures, too few staff and for better care - because health is not a commodity," they said.

Union warns of staff cuts

According to Verdi, services are to be restricted and co-payments increased. The union warns of staff cuts, a further increase in the burden on employees and a massive threat to the quality of care. Among other things, Verdi is calling for the full refinancing of wage increases and care costs, needs-based staffing requirements and a broader funding base for statutory health insurance.

Committee: care will be degraded to a variable piggy bank

The Saxon Nursing Council also believes that secure care for those in need of care is threatened by the federal government's plans. "The announced limitation of the nursing budget and the abolition of full tariff refinancing will effectively degrade nursing care in hospitals to a variable piggy bank once again," criticized Clemens Regenbrecht, Chairman of the State Nursing Council of Saxony.