Interview with Holger Mehler, animal keeper at the Department of Veterinary Medicine
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
I work as an animal-keeper in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, where I am the foreman of the farm animal clinic. In my day-to-day work, I feed animals, milk them, muck out stables and prepare for operations. I also provide assistance during medical procedures. My work also includes hoof care for cattle and sheep or travelling with students to farms in the surrounding area. On request, I provide advice on hoof care and animal husbandry.
What problems have there been in the past?
In the past, weekend shifts were not paid with all supplements. A considerable amount of back pay had accumulated, which had to be paid in arrears under pressure from employees, the staff council and ver.di. Unfortunately, there are still difficulties with the settlement of supplements today. The overall development in our department is alarming. Colleagues are leaving the FU and students are worried about whether they will be able to complete their degrees with us.
What do you think needs to be done to bring about improvements?
You have to try to retain employees who are on board and attract new staff. To do this, working conditions need to be improved. This includes enforcing the collective labour agreement, as it contains many levers for improving working conditions. A lot has already been achieved. This is a path that must be rigorously pursued.
Information on the new election of the Dahlem staff council
The elections will take place from April 23rd. until May 10, 2024.