Dear colleagues,
At our open general meeting yesterday , 8 October 2025, we had an in-depth discussion about our working conditions at the University of Oldenburg and the Studierendenwerk Oldenburg, and formulated demands for the university management, politicians and the collective bargaining round.
The outcome clearly shows that conditions and challenges vary from department to department – but we all have one thing in common: there is much room for improvement!
Unfortunately, not all points can be implemented immediately, but as active members of ver.di, we will keep at it together. The more of us there are, the more successful we will be.
Important next steps!
The survey on demands for the collective bargaining round with the federal states runs until 31 October. So far, 41 ver.di members and 131 non-members have taken part – that’s a good start, but we can do better! Talk to your colleagues and get involved if you haven’t already!
Click here for the survey: ver.di – Employee survey for the 2025/26 public sector collective bargaining round in the federal states
We have also looked at the process of the collective bargaining round – you can find the relevant presentation in the attachment.
What demands have our colleagues put forward?
Technical and administrative staff
Colleaguesin the MTV sector are calling for significant financial improvements: an 11% pay rise, a basic allowance of €500 and additional days’ holiday. Upgrading to the next pay grade within the same pay scale and flexible models for converting money into time are also key priorities.
In addition, they are calling for the actual recruitment of apprentices and free use of car parks. Politically, we are calling for fair pension schemes and higher taxation of wealth and inheritances.
Studierendenwerk / Daycare Centre
Colleagues in the Studierendenwerk’sdaycare centres are campaigning for fair pay at TVöD levels and greater recognition of educational work – for example, through performance bonuses and additional remuneration for supervising apprentices. They are also calling for more holiday entitlement and better working conditions: smaller groups, more staff, and more time for preparation and follow-up work. These demands are intended to strengthen the quality and attractiveness of work in the childcare centres in the long term.
Research Assistants (WiMi)
Research assistants are calling for secure and fair working conditions: the centre of their demands is on permanent contracts, higher salaries and the abolition of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). They are also calling for shorter working hours with equivalent pay and a minimum proportion of permanent posts to make academic careers more predictable. Clear regulations on time recording and the reduction of unnecessary part-time positions are also being demanded.
It was great to see so many of you there yesterday and to see your active involvement! Let’s keep at it together! If you’d like to get involved and have any questions about ver.di’s activities at the university, please get in touch with us!
With best regards,
The ver.di team at the University of Oldenburg
List of demands
Technical and administrative staff
Collective bargaining round / Trade union demands
- 11% pay rise
- Bonus for trade union members
- €500 base amount
- Upgrading to the next pay band
- 100% annual lump-sum payment
- 5 extra days’ holiday
- Conversion of money into time
University management / Employer
- Actual recruitment of trainees
- No additional parking costs
Politics
- Pension up to age 65
- Introduction of a wealth tax
- Reform of inheritance tax
- Hands off working hours
Student Services / Daycare Centre G
Collective bargaining / Trade union demands
- Bonus for trade union members
- Alignment with the TVöD (salary) by at least 11%
- Adjustment of wages to the cost of living
- Additional remuneration for supervising apprentices
- Performance bonus
- More holiday (e.g. recuperation days)
Policy / Framework conditions
- Nursery Act: more time for preparation and follow-up
- Childcare Act: smaller groups
- Childcare Act: improvement of staff-to-child ratios
- Childcare Act: improvement of framework conditions
- Retirement age: max. 63!
Research assistants (WiMi)
Collective bargaining round / trade union demands
- 1.5 times the pay for fixed-term contracts for all
- No distinction between LfbA and WiMi
- Merger of TV-L and TVöD
- Higher pay and/or more full-time positions
- Reduced working hours with wage compensation
- Permanent contracts for mid-level academic staff
University management / employer
- Permanent positions (longer contracts)
- Less reliance on part-time work in favour of full-time employment
- Agreeing on time recording rules
Politics
- Abolition of the WissZeitVG
- Part-time work for older employees