06.11.2024 – 16:47
IGBCE North Rhine
On November 6th, 2024, over 150 employees increased the pressure on employers in the ongoing collective bargaining dispute in the paper industry with a collective breakfast break in front of the Essity Operations Neuss factory.
After the second unsuccessful collective bargaining on October 8th, the IGBCE called on the 46,000 employees in the paper producing industry nationwide to take action. More than 70 actions with over 10,000 participants took place across the country these days, from collective bargaining demonstrations to front-of-gate actions and rallies to political lunch breaks and company meetings.
Patrick Leveringhaus, trade union secretary for the Düsseldorf district: “The way the DPI (The Paper Industry) has behaved and offered so far is a slap in the face of social partnership. With their commitment today, the employees have sent an important signal of unity to the employers and made their demands clear.” One thing is clear to them: “In addition to more money, the employers’ next offer must definitely include an advantage for IGBCE members,” says Leveringhaus further and emphasizes: “Without this there will be no agreement.” The members expect to be valued for their union contribution, which makes collective bargaining possible. “If the DPI doesn’t move and work sensibly with us on a serious solution, then there’s only one thing left to say: Even if we spend the winter here, you’ll get a fire under your ass!” said Leveringhaus at the end of his speech.
In addition to a pay increase of eight percent or at least 280 euros more, the IGBCE is demanding a bonus in time or money exclusively for IGBCE members as well as more attractiveness for shift work and other working time models. Ralf Kruska, chairman of the works council at Essity Neuss: “We have made a moderate demand, but the DPI’s behavior is simply incomprehensible. This is no appreciation for the hard and tiring work in the shifts and offices. We also have to increase our attractiveness so that we can find new skilled workers and trainees in the future.”
“If you’re not here, nothing happens here. You produce the stuff here, without you nothing works, the employer has to understand that and finally show its appreciation,” says Iordanis Kofantidis, deputy chairman of the works council. “That’s why I’m happy that so many of you showed up today and are supporting us,” Kofantidis continued.
The paper union IGBCE called for participation in the collective bargaining campaigns. After two unsuccessful collective bargaining rounds in which the DPI (The Paper Industry) association did not submit a negotiable offer, the IGBCE wanted to bring movement on the employers’ side. “The employees have made it very clear that they support the demands of the IGBCE. The employer side must finally submit a serious offer in the third round,” said Ralf Kruska.
There is currently no date for a third hearing.
Contact person on site: Patrick Leveringhaus, 0173 6080685.
IGBCE Düsseldorf Responsible: Thomas Neumann, district manager Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 34-38, 40210 Düsseldorf Telephone: +49 211 17 21 60 Fax: +49 211 17 21 62 2 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: IG-BCE Düsseldorf District (igbce.de)
About Us:
The Düsseldorf district includes the regions from Wuppertal to Grevenbroich and from Solingen to Ratingen. Our self-image and our mission is to improve the working conditions of our members. We ensure the safety and protection of our members. Justice and solidarity are the guiding principles of our daily actions. We are there for you with our dedicated district team as well as many motivated volunteer colleagues. The district manager is Natalie Mühlenfeld. As one of five districts, the Düsseldorf district belongs to the North Rhine state district.
