Labor Union Reaches Wage Agreement at Hasselöhr Company - Collective negotiations within the union at Hasseröder brewery
The Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) trade union has successfully negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with the Hasseröder brewery, a part of the international conglomerate Anheuser-Busch InBev, which includes brands such as Beck's, Franziskaner, and Diebels. The agreement, effective from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026, will result in a "clear pay raise" for approximately 250 employees based in Wernigerode, Landkreis Harz, as described by the union.
The union's demand for a wage increase was due to ongoing purchasing power losses due to inflation, particularly in food and everyday services. The new collective bargaining agreement will provide a 2.9% wage increase retroactive to April 1, 2023, and an additional 2.8% as of January 1, 2026.
The negotiations for the agreement were held in three rounds and resulted in a 21-month contract, longer than the union's initial demand of a 12-month term. The agreement includes provisions for further reviews should inflation rise above industry averages.
The brewing industry is facing a challenging situation, but this did not prevent the wage increase negotiations. The agreement will also improve working conditions, including shift allowances, overtime rules, and leave entitlements for part-time employees.
The wage increase will be implemented in two stages: the first increase on April 1, 2023, and the second increase on January 1, 2026. It is important to note that the initial wage increase demand by the union was higher than the agreed-upon increase.
The agreement was reached after two 24-hour warning strikes, demonstrating the union's commitment to securing a fair wage increase for its members. The new collective bargaining agreement will provide much-needed relief for the employees, helping them navigate the ongoing challenges of inflation and maintaining their purchasing power.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the agreement, consult the NGG's official website or press releases, local news outlets (German language) for the specific region of the brewery, or the brewery's official communications.
The Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) union, in their negotiations for the new collective bargaining agreement with Hasseröder brewery, have also focused on providing vocational training initiatives for the employees, recognizing the importance of continuous skill development in the business and finance sectors of the industry. As part of the agreement, the union aims to establish a fund for vocational training programs, ensuring the long-term growth and competitiveness of the workforce.
