Employees at several breweries in Saxony are planning to strike in the coming days as part of collective bargaining for the brewing industry. "There have never been strikes lasting several days in the brewing industry in Saxony in recent decades. That speaks for itself. The brewery employees are applying pressure so that they are not left high and dry," explained Uwe Ledwig, chief negotiator for the Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG).
Union awaits employers' offer
In concrete terms, the employees of Freiberger Brauhaus, Radeberger Brauerei, Sternburg Brauerei in Leipzig and Krostitzer Brauerei have been called out on warning strike. All companies belong to the Radeberger Gruppe, Germany's largest brewery group. According to the NGG, the breweries have not yet submitted an offer. The union is demanding a seven percent wage increase for the collective bargaining area of Saxony and Thuringia.
"The current wage level is always several hundred euros behind the standard national brewing wages," it said. Apprentices are to receive 100 euros more. Many employees in Saxony and Thuringia are concerned that, more than 30 years after German reunification, they are still working longer hours for less money. The difference amounts to over 4,000 euros a year - without bonuses.
Next wage negotiations planned for August 14
The next negotiation date is scheduled for August 14. "The last strike in Saxony on June 27, which only lasted four hours, has already affected the breweries' production and ability to deliver to restaurants and retailers," concluded the NGG union.
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