Interview with Corinna Kulka, cleaner on special duty
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I am Corinna Kulka. I have been working at the FU for 13 years and am currently a cleaner with special duties at the farm animal clinic. My activities include cleaning all manner of things. I clean, sew and mend surgical and operational linen. My tasks also include disinfecting and cleaning tables, taps, the apron washing system, passageways and surfaces in operating theatres. I also dispose of sensitive waste, extremely bloody objects, cannula containers, etc.
What training do you have?
I am a trained supply and disposal specialist (recycling and waste management specialist) and worked in this profession for 18 years before I started at the FU. I also have an ADR licence, so I know how to dispose of sensitive items. Two thirds of the supply and disposal training consists of mechatronics, one third is similar to the training of chemical laboratory technicians. I have learnt how to handle all kinds of waste, including hazardous waste. I am also able to apply this knowledge at the FU.
What is your salary?
I’m in pay group 2, level 5, which is about 1800 euros net. I don’t have much money left over at the end of the month. It would be nice to go on holiday again. That’s only possible every 5 to 8 years. I can’t afford to live near my workplace in Berlin, so I drive 50 kilometres to work every day. When I hear that wage cuts are being presented as a success, I can’t understand it. These are being implemented at our expense and that of our colleagues.
What have you tried to do to get a higher pay grade?
I submitted a claim for a higher grouping with the staff council. My work was then analysed in consultation with the support of my line manager. The staff council demanded a higher grouping. Unfortunately, this was then rejected by the administration department. The reason given was that my activities did not go beyond those of a normal cleaner.
Are there still enough staff available?
Of the ten cleaners with special duties at the farm animal clinic, only two remain. The work is now done by an external company. The quality has suffered greatly as a result of outsourcing. Cleaning the floors or emptying the rubbish bins often takes weeks to be completed. The external workers are poorly paid and don’t even wear work clothes, even though these are infectious areas. When we complain about the poor quality, we are told that the company is the cheapest available.
What is your overall conclusion? How do you see the future?
I have a lot of respect for what our departmental management has to do. I wouldn’t want to swap places with them. But you can’t ignore the individual concerns of ordinary workers either. What if the department loses its certification? There needs to be a rethink about working conditions and pay. This is necessary in order to retain and attract young, dynamic employees. Efforts should be made to ensure that the FU retains its reputation as an elite university.
Information on the new election of the Dahlem staff council
The elections will take place from April 23rd. until May 10, 2024.
Postal voting information (Deadline 22.04.2024)