RBB interim director Katrin Vernau Photo: Christophe Gateau/dpa
By Michael Sauerbier
No more bonus payments and luxury care at RBB: The new director Katrin Vernau (49) wants to put the station bosses on a salary diet.
“I see the workforce in turmoil,” Vernau told the RBB broadcasting council on Thursday. Reason: the lifelong “pensions” for the four directors – and the e-mail scandal surrounding Deputy Director Jan Schulte-Kellinghaus (53). He wanted to make Senator Bettina Jarasch’s husband (53, Greens) TV boss – without a call for tenders.
Vernau’s plan:
► Eliminate all allowances
► Limit employment contracts and transitional allowances
► Reduce the number of bosses paid above the collective bargaining agreement
► Check their competence before extending the contract
The 3,500 RBB employees also tremble for their jobs. Head of staff Sabine Jauer (62): “Free and permanent employees are worried that it will hit them.” Because the broadcaster has to save 70 million euros.
Vernau plans to present her savings plan in December. She has recognized: “The most important thing is that we succeed in reaching all Berliners and Brandenburgers.” Otherwise the RBB lacks the right to exist.