On August 1, 1991, the master car mechanic was employed at the municipal building depot, where he looked after the numerous vehicles in the fleet in the car workshop. Poeß was also involved with his colleagues from an early stage and acted as a shop steward. He was first elected to the staff council in 1997 and has been a member of the committee for almost 28 years. During this time, he was released from his duties as Chairman of the Staff Council from May 2009 to May 2021, and then partially released from his duties as Deputy Chairman. During the remaining time, he returned to the building depot and supported the safety expert in preparing the risk assessments.
Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf paid tribute to Volker Poeß' many years of service to the workforce. Together, they have achieved many good things for the city and its employees. "Volker Poeß always had an eye for what was actually feasible," said Frühauf. In addition, the Chairman of the Staff Council always maintained open communication. "He says what he thinks, which moves consultations forward." Mayor Frühauf, colleagues and staff representatives thanked Poeß for his work with a certificate and gifts and wished him all the best for the new phase of his life.
Senior office clerk Wolfgang Petry recalled an 'invention' that Volker Poeß had achieved while working in the vehicle workshop. He had fitted a vehicle with an automatic watering system of his own design. "This meant that the driver no longer had to get in and out of the car every time he watered the plants on the Nahe superstructure. The system is still in use today."
"Volker was Deputy Chairman of the Staff Council for a number of years and Chairman for even longer, during which time he achieved a great deal for the employees," emphasized Staff Council Chairwoman Susanne Becker. Following his departure, a very committed colleague who was heavily involved in both internal and external activities and was also committed to the trade union will be gone.