Union and Breweries at a Standstrike: Wage Disputes Prolong in Northern Germany
Additional alerts targeted at breweries in the northern region - Further northward assault on breweries reported
Get ready for more upheaval at the breweries! The union, NGG (Nutrition, Hospitality, and Catering), has drummed up renewed strike action in northern German breweries starting today. The union's discontent stems from the deadlock in the recent wage negotiations. The unrest is set to hit Jever, Astra, Holsten, and Lübz, with strikes lasting from 24 to 48 hours depending on the location.
Affected breweries include Carlsberg's Hamburg facility, Lübz in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Friesian Brewery in Jever. The strikes will kick off with the 6 AM early shift and a rally at 9 AM outside the Jever factory gates.
Last Strikes Caused Minimal Havoc
In late May, brief 24-hour strikes occurred without causing significant impact on production, according to the companies. Union NGG regional chairman Finn Petersen asserts the need for a more explicit message due to the ambiguity from the first strikes.
NGG is clamoring for a 6% increase in wages and salaries for a year for employees in northern breweries, while employers have reportedly offered a total increase of 3.7% in two stages extending to the end of 2026.
Jever Fights Its Own Battle
In Jever, where a distinct house tariff applies, NGG demands a 7% increase over one year. An offer of 4.2% in two stages over two years has been presented in Jever.
Johanna Waldeck, the lead negotiator for NGG in Jever, admits, "Never before have such hardened positions been seen here." Despite both sides narrowing the gap, an agreement remains elusive. Waldeck now anticipates resolution in July.
Union's Key Proposals:
- A 6.6% wage increase for all brewery workers this year.
- €280 extra per month for all full-time employees.
- An additional €130 monthly for apprentices.
Wage Negotiations Summary:
| Party | 2025 Wage Increase | 2026 Wage Increase | Additional Demands ||------------|-------------------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------|| NGG Union | 6.6% | — | €280/month full-time, €130/month apprentices || Employers | 2% | 2.2% | — |
Despite the ongoing discord, no additional strike actions are currently planned until the outcome of the July 8 negotiations. The union and employers remain at odds over both the scale of wage increases and additional financial support for apprentices and entry-level staff. Stay tuned for updates on this dynamic standoff!
As the Union, NGG, continues its push for higher wages in the brewing industry, the Commission could find itself delving into the realm of policy-making, submitting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as they have also been asked to do so.
The financing aspect becomes relevant here, as the increase in wages proposed by NGG would likely necessitate extra funds for the brewing companies, potentially impacting their financial health and the industry as a whole.
