Conflict of tariffs in the confectionery industry: Warning strike planned in Hamburg

Conflict of tariffs in the confectionery industry: Warning strike planned in Hamburg

In the middle of a tense tariff conflict in the confectionery industry, the unions call up a warning strike. The regions of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony are particularly affected, where numerous employees want to resign. The Trade Union Food Guest Gaststics (NGG) expects around 700 to 800 participants to participate in the actions.

The reason for the protests lies in the current collective bargaining that is stuck between employers and employees. In a message, the NGG announced that a demonstration by downtown Hamburg is planned in the morning in order to draw attention to the concerns of the employees. Among other things, large companies such as Unilever, Nestlé and Barry Callebaut are involved, all of which play an important role in the industry.

claims of the employees

A central concern of the NGG is a salary increase of 9.9 percent or at least a monthly increase of 360 euros. These demands are part of a larger puzzle in which the union terminated several collective agreements in order to create better conditions for the around 5,000 workers organized in collaboration. Already on August 12, a similar demonstration took place in Lübeck, in which around 500 employees participated and thus raised their voice in this important matter.

The employer side, represented by the Federal Association of the German Confident Industry (BDSI) based in Bonn, only offers moderate salary increases. In Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, the employer offers an increase in salary in two steps: initially 3.1 percent and then 2.6 percent, but over a term of 28 months. In Lower Saxony and Bremen, the offer provides for an increase of 2.8 percent in the first step and 2.2 percent in the second step, also with a long term of 27 months. This difference between the demands of the union and the offers of the employers shows the growing tensions and the always complex relationship between the two sides.

The further negotiations are intended for August 28 in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein as well as for September 5 in Lower Saxony and Bremen. The BDSI acts here as the main representative of the employer and is supported by various regional associations. In total, negotiations are currently taking place in six tariff areas, while existing contracts are used in three other areas.

expectations and outlook

The upcoming strike is a clear sign of the dismissal of the employees and represents a serious challenge for employers. The NGG relies on making employers to rethink with these actions and getting closer. Due to their market position and their influence on the industry, the large companies in the field of confectionery production are required to react to the legitimate demands of the employees.

How the situation will ultimately develop remains to be seen, but it is already clear that movement could come into the stuck negotiations. The employees are ready to raise their voices and show that their work should be valued, which could be particularly noticeable in the coming weeks.

The role of the unions in collective bargaining

In Germany, unions have a long tradition and play a crucial role in the labor market. The food-consumption-enjoyment union (NGG) union is particularly active in sectors such as the confectionery industry, gastronomy and in the food sector. It is committed to the interests of employees, especially in times of economic uncertainty or persistent tariff conflicts.

The NGG not only pursues salary adjustments, but also improvements in working conditions and social security for employees. Among other things, this includes demands for more vacation days, better working hours and job security. In an environment in which inflation increases and the cost of living increases, these requirements are all the more relevant. The current salary claim of 9.9 percent or at least 360 euros per month shows how important it is for employees to receive their purchasing power.

economic context of the confectionery industry

The confectionery industry is an essential sector in Germany, the sales of which amounted to around 12.4 billion euros in 2020, as the Federal Association of the German Confident Industry (BDSI) reports. The industry faces various challenges, including rising raw material prices, which are reinforced by global supply chain problems and growing demand for sustainable products.

An example is the increase in sugar prices that have increased significantly in recent years. Manufacturers are forced to adapt their price strategies to compensate for the costs, which in turn puts the margins under pressure in the employees and strengthens the demands for higher wages. The economic framework therefore play a crucial role and influence both the collective bargaining and the willingness to negotiate employers.

Statistical data on employee satisfaction

Current statistics on employee satisfaction show that many employees in Germany are dissatisfied with their current remuneration. According to a survey by the Federal Statistical Office from 2023, 45 percent of those surveyed stated that they were not satisfied with their salary. This is a sign that the labor market is under pressure and that employees are increasingly looking for more financing options.

In addition, data from the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research show that real wages have stagnated in Germany in recent years, while the cost of living, including rents, has increased significantly. This increases the demands of the unions such as the NGG and is a clear indicator of the need for collective bargaining to ensure the quality of life of the employees.

These developments and context information are crucial to understand the current situation in the confectionery industry and the upcoming collective bargaining.