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AWO Wedel in crisis: 100 children affected – protest at Rathausplatz!
In Wedel, Pinneberg district, parents are demonstrating against the AWO's insolvency, which affects 100 children and 300 employees.
AWO Wedel in crisis: 100 children affected – protest at Rathausplatz!
In Wedel, a town in the Pinneberg district, things are boiling enormously. Around 100 children are affected by the insolvency of the AWO local association Wedel e.V., which is causing tensions between the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) and the city of Wedel to flare up. The AWO is calling for a demonstration on Monday, October 27th on the town hall square. She sees herself accused by the city of intentionally causing the bankruptcy in order to attract cheaper providers for her own daycare centers. The mood is tense and it is clear that many parents and children are suffering behind the scenes.
The AWO runs four daycare centers in Wedel with over 300 children and around 100 employees. The AWO attributes the bankruptcy, which was recently announced, to canceled municipal funding. On the other hand, the city of Wedel rejects the allegations and explains that irregularities were discovered at AWO, which would have made it necessary to check the invoices. These audits led to a claim of more than one million euros against the AWO. The city argues that some of the employees were overpaid and sees no financial scope at all for a change in savings provider.
Criticism and interpersonal tensions
The tensions between the AWO and the city are not new. As early as July 2025, the AWO local association filed for insolvency and tried to talk to the city about differences in billing-related evidence. However, no agreement was reached, although the city offered an orderly transfer of ownership, which was rejected. The situation remains tense and both sides are determined to defend their point of view. This makes it clear that both the AWO and the city of Wedel are in intensive communication to clarify the problems surrounding financial matters and the future care of the children.
The city has also emphasized that the canceled operating subsidies are not related to budget consolidation measures. Eike Binge, the city's education, culture and sport department, is available as a contact person for the affected parents and ultimately tries to maintain the quality of child day care.
A look beyond the borders
In the context of current developments, a comparison with other AWO districts can also be helpful. Recently, for example, AWO OWL's judicial self-administration proceedings were successfully concluded. Over 4,000 employees continued to be employed and new sponsors were found for institutions that no longer operate under the AWO OWL. Such positive examples could also be of interest to Wedel, which strives to organize daycare centers in a high-quality manner that meets the needs of the children.
How the situation will ultimately develop remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: today's protest will draw public attention to the challenges facing the AWO and the city of Wedel. At a time when early childhood education is more in focus than ever, these disputes will have far-reaching consequences for both parents and children.