Sound the Alarm at Saxon Breweries!
Ongoing labor disputes in Saxony - Alert Sounded as Breweries in Saxony Face Unannounced Assaults
The union's raised a ruckus at several breweries under the Radeberger group in Saxony. Temporarily, the workers have ceased labor due to a snag in wage negotiations. Night and early shift workers at the Freiberger Brewery, Radeberger Brewery, Sternburg Brewery in Leipzig, and the Krostitzer Brewery heeded the union's call for a warning strike, according to the Food, Beverages, and Catering Union (NGG).
The union's discontent stems from the fruitless wage negotiations for the Saxon-Thuringian brewing sector that took place on Thursday. Employers failed to present an offer, unlike in other regions, such as Bavaria, where a wage increase has already been agreed upon.
"This employers' zero offer has left workers befuddled," said NGG negotiator Uwe Ledwig. "For the first time in more than three decades, there's a strike in the Saxon brewing industry, and the workers are ready to prolong this strike if need be."
The affected breweries are equipped for the work disruption. "Though this work stoppage hurts us now, especially during the busy season, it sends the wrong message during the economy's challenging phase," a representative from the Sternburg Brewery said.
Operations at Radeberg resumed early in the morning. Spokespersons from both breweries reported that the impact was manageable, although short-notice strike actions can disrupt processes and potentially cause economic harm, especially during the peak season.
The union is demanding a seven percent wage hike for breweries in Saxony and Thuringia, along with a one-year contract term. Trainees should receive an additional 100 euros, and logistics workers^{1} less than 40,000 euros per year should receive an extra 200 euros. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for August 14, 2025^{2}. Additional warning strikes^{3} and supply bottlenecks^{4} are expected until then.
The employers' side is willing to put a fair, practical offer on the table if the employee representatives show a willingness to negotiate and distance themselves from their excessive maximum demands, an emissary for the Sternburg Brewery stated.
- Logistics workers often face challenging conditions and lower wages due to the nature of their work, which includes heavy lifting, long hours, and potentially poor safety standards.
- Negotiations are typically scheduled well in advance to provide both sides ample time to prepare and reach agreements.
- Warning strikes serve as reminders to the employers of the workers' discontent and their readiness to escalate the dispute if necessary.
- Supply bottlenecks may occur due to various factors, such as disrupted production or distribution, which can impact the availability of products in the market.
The Commission could be asked to consider a proposal for a directive in the finance sector, aiming to protect workers from risks related to ionizing radiation exposure, given the escalating union actions in the industry. During the peak season, retailers might face supply chain challenges due to bottlenecks caused by prolonged strike actions in the brewing industry.
