2024-09-13 17:06:17
The NGG union is disappointed with the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations in the catering industry. This is why various restaurant chains are now planning to go on strike.
The NGG union is calling for warning strikes “at McDonald’s, Burger King, Nordsee and others.” In the so-called system catering sector, which also includes chains such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and L’Osteria, the second round of collective bargaining negotiations had previously ended without a result. Further talks for the industry with 120,000 employees are now not due to take place until November – later than originally planned.
The NGG criticized the fact that the employers had “not moved an inch toward the employees’ demands” in the second round. That is why things are getting louder now, said negotiator Mark Baumeister. Starting next week, actions and warning strikes are to be expected across Germany.
After the price increases of the last few years, employees have “a lot of catching up to do in terms of wages,” said Baumeister. “They expect real relief and significantly more money – instead, the employers didn’t even bring a new offer to the second negotiation. That is absolutely disrespectful to the employees.” The NGG is demanding, among other things, a starting wage of 15 euros in the lowest pay group, and 500 euros more per month above that.
The Federal Association of System Gastronomy (BdS), on the other hand, spoke of an improved offer from the employers’ side, which would lead to a “fair wage structure”, and pointed to a decline in guest numbers, economic uncertainty and a deteriorating business climate.
“The NGG must continue to move forward and contribute with constructive proposals to a wage agreement that is balanced for both employees and companies in the industry,” demanded BdS General Manager Markus Suchert.