A number of German confectionery companies are facing disruptions as workers engage in a strike over wage disputes.
The two-day strike commenced on October 14 at three factories located in Lübeck, northern Germany, where approximately 1,800 employees are employed. These facilities are operated by renowned confectioners Niederegger, Carstens Lübecker Marzipan, and Schwartauer Werke.
The workers, represented by the NGG union, initiated the strike, which saw around 450 employees from the first shifts walk out, as reported by the union to Just Food. A union spokesperson also indicated that workers from confectionery companies in Hamburg and nearby areas joined the strike, amplifying the call for better pay.
The timing of this walkout is strategically aligned with impending negotiations, aimed at exerting pressure on the employers as discussions regarding compensation escalate.
The NGG union is requesting a salary increase of 9.9%, or at least €360 ($392.55) per month, for the workforce. This demand comes as the confectionery industry grapples with ongoing discussions about employee compensation amid changing dynamics in the food and beverage industry.
In terms of initial offers, the confectionery companies have proposed a raise of 3.1% followed by an additional 2.6% in a subsequent phase. Dirk Himmelmann, the managing director of the NGG union in Lübeck, stated: “The second collective bargaining session in the confectionery industry was sobering. No new offer from the employers and no real negotiation. They claim to have presented an appreciative offer, but it falls far short of the employees’ expectations.”
Himmelmann also expressed that for the upcoming negotiation session on October 23, he does not anticipate a blockade but hopes for an improved proposal. Furthermore, the NGG insists that the new collective agreement should only span a duration of 12 months, as opposed to the 28 months suggested by management.
Local media outlets have reported that the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) will not resume talks until mid-November, further prolonging the negotiations amid ongoing labor disputes.
As the food and drink business evolves, understanding consumer trends and organizational dynamics becomes essential. Staying informed about labor movements, such as those currently taking place in the confectionery sector, contributes significantly to a strategic approach in navigating the food and beverage industry landscape.
