Germany
Public services union ver.di has negotiated new provisions covering midwives who are studying and working in municipal hospitals. The measures cover tuition fees and the rights to 30 days’ leave (with additional leave for shift work) and to monthly family trips home. Ver.di argues that this is a good collective bargaining result and that the collectively agreed study conditions are indispensable for attracting young talent. It also believes that the agreement with the municipal employers’ organisation is ground-breaking for the sector and that other employers will negotiate with the union over the conditions of prospective midwives. The current deal also provides for reimbursement of travel expenses for study outside the main institution and other benefits and payments, including pensions.
