Dispute over jobs at Märkisch-Oderland: KKJR sounds the alarm!

Dispute over jobs at Märkisch-Oderland: KKJR sounds the alarm!

Things are simmering in Märkisch-Oderland: The Märkisch-Oderland Children's and Youth Ring (KKJR) is in the crossfire due to planned new tenders for two central positions in child and youth work. The KKJR has been doing valuable work for over a decade, but now there is resistance. 35 clubs and alliances have already launched an appeal against the tender, which is causing a stir beyond the region's borders. RBB24 reports, that the two bodies concerned relate to the work of youth associations and a democracy specialist office, which is part of the federal program “Living Democracy!” be promoted. The head of the social affairs department, Friedemann Hanke (CDU), plans to complete the new appointment by January 1, 2026.

“We have over 30 years of experience, and you don’t just make a decision like that from the hip,” says CEO Erik Goldschmidt, concerned. The terminations of the two positions are not just an upset. They could have far-reaching consequences for child and youth work in the region, possibly even leading to the closure of the KJR office in Trebnitz. The KKJR acts as an advisor in financial matters and organizes numerous events for children and young people. There is great uncertainty – not only in the KKJR, but also among those applying for the “Live Democracy!” program. Life reported in MOL that the funding for the Coordination and Specialist Office (KuF) was canceled without consultation, which is legally questionable.

Contradictions and concerns

“Transparent communication looks different,” is what we hear from the ranks of the KKJR. The expectations of cooperative cooperation do not seem to have been fulfilled in the recent past. Head of Social Affairs Hanke cites a lack of satisfaction with the work of the KKJR and a new funding phase for the democracy department as reasons for the new call for tenders. But the KKJR did not receive any comprehensible justification for the termination of the positions. Live democracy is also concerned that the district could even lose its eligibility for funding as a result of these measures, which would not only result in a long-term crisis in youth work for the entire region, but also a step backwards in the promotion of democracy.

With the dismissals of the two job holders and the takeover of the youth welfare office, the situation becomes even more precarious. Philipp Jünemann, who leads the youth association work, is not idle and is already planning a project to support youth groups, but this is now on the rocks. Of course, the KKJR wants to try to re-tender and is even considering legal action. “There is something going on,” says Goldschmidt, because the existence and ability to act of the KKJR are in jeopardy. The next few weeks will be crucial.