Factory workers at Kühne in Berlin stage a strike
In the heart of Berlin, the traditional company Kühne's Berlin site, known for its production of beer and various food products, has been hit by a strike initiated by the Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) union. The strike, now in its 115th hour, is part of a broader ongoing wage negotiation between the NGG and Kühne.
The NGG, representing the workforce at the Berlin site, has been vocal about the need for wage increases to reflect the higher living costs, particularly in the capital city. The union considers the collective agreement offer from Kühne as too low and has threatened further measures at the Berliner-Kindl-Schultheiss-Brauerei.
Initially, the NGG had demanded a 7% wage increase, amounting to at least 241 euros more per month, with a one-year term for the collective agreement. However, the latest demand from the NGG is a 6.2% increase in wages for the next two years.
The union aims to equalize the wage level at the Berlin site with that of the Hagenow plant, where a collective agreement has already been reached, incorporating the demands raised by the NGG. The success of such a strike, as demonstrated by Julia Maciejewicz in the Nordhausen bakery Aryzta, could potentially pave the way for similar negotiations at other Kühne plants.
Kühne, with further plants in France, Poland, and Turkey and exports worldwide, has not made any comments during the ongoing negotiations. The company had previously demanded an increase in the current weekly working time of 38 hours, but this is no longer on the table.
The early shift at the Berlin site, consisting of approximately 60 employees, is currently on strike. The cost of living in the capital is much higher, and rents are still rising, according to NGG secretary Rahe. Despite these challenges, Kühne produces in Germany at five locations: Berlin, Straelen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Hamm (North Rhine-Westphalia), Schweinfurt (Bavaria), and Hagenow (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).
The NGG's plant in Reinickendorf, operated by Carl Kühne KG, produces barbecue sauces, dressings, mayonnaises, and ketchup. The impact of the strike on production levels and potential shortages or delays in product delivery remains to be seen, as the negotiations continue.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking recent news articles or press releases from NGG or Kühne would be advisable.
The NGG, having identified the need for wage increases in the manufacturing industry to address higher living costs, has warned of further measures at the Berliner-Kindl-Schultheiss-Brauerei, a financial concern for Kühne. The strike, ongoing at the Berlin site, could potentially influence negotiations in other Kühne plants, like the successful one at the Nordhausen bakery Aryzta.
