Sabotage at Gaffel and Reissdorf Breweries: Unknown perpetrators cause chaos at popular German beer establishments - Achievement of initial attacks on breweries
Cologne Breweries Gaffel and Reissdorf Affected by Labor Strike
Union members representing the NGG (Germany's food, drinking, and catering industry union) engaged in a three-hour work disruption at the Cologne-based breweries, Gaffel and Reissdorf, on Friday. Approximately 60 employees, dressed in high-visibility vests, paraded along the brewery fence in the Porz district, using whistles to assert their presence and displaying banners with messages such as "No Us, No Beer" and "Give Us Recognition, Appreciation, and a Fair Wage Increase."
The union's representative, Marc Kissinger, observed a satisfactory participation rate among the strikers and confirmed that production at both sites had effectively ceased during the protest. Despite the recent action, Kissinger expressed optimism regarding upcoming collective bargaining sessions, anticipating improved offers from employers. Union officials are pushing for a substantial 6.6% wage increase, with a minimal monthly pay raise of €280 for full-time workers. Current employer offers are much lower.
According to the NGG, approximately 130 workers contribute to brewery operations at Gaffel in Cologne-Porz, and 90 are employed by Reissdorf in Cologne-Rodenkirchen. During the strike, Reissdorf's employees joined their colleagues at Gaffel. In response to questions about whether 60 strikers could entirely halt production among the workforce of 210 employees, Kissinger clarified that the total figure encompasses sales and administrative activities, emphasizing the high proportion of striking workers during production shifts.
However, a Gaffel spokesperson argued that only a small fraction of the workforce joined the strike, assuring beer lovers that there is plentiful stock and the production process remains unaffected. "Bulk of the workforce remains untouched by the strike, ensuring uninterrupted production and delivery," stated the spokesperson.
In May 2025, ongoing negotiations between the employers and the NGG union have maintained a tense atmosphere, with both sides committed to reaching a resolution. Strikes have impacted several days of production, while the union insists on substantial wage increases and improved working conditions to address inflation and industry norms. Employers, in turn, are wary of economic pressures and market competitiveness, and they have expressed a willingness to increase wages but with caution. Mediation sessions are underway to help bridge the gap between the two parties and avoid further work disruptions.
- The labor strike at Cologne Breweries Gaffel and Reissdorf, initiated by the NGG (Germany's food, drinking, and catering industry union), is not only affecting the brewing industry, but it also demonstrates the union's concern for fair wages and employment policies within the retail sector.
- As the ongoing negotiations between the NGG union and employers continue in May 2025, it is evident that the discussions are not just about manufacturing policies, but also encompass finance, employment, and industry standards, aiming to create a community policy that benefits all parties involved.
