Hamburg educators to discuss school reserve reductions

The GEST association, in cooperation with the GEW, has announced a panel discussion scheduled for November 24, 2026, in Hamburg. The event will address the planned 25% reduction of the 'Vertretungsreserve'—personnel and financial buffers used to manage teacher absences—set to take effect in the 2027/2028 school year.

Organizers and various educational associations warn that this reduction could lead to significant structural shortages within the school system, including a massive increase in class cancellations and higher student numbers per class. The discussion will feature education policy spokespersons from several political parties, including Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, SPD, CDU, and Die Linke, alongside leadership from the GEW Hamburg.