Saxony-Anhalt workers strike for equal pay under Schwarz Group's 'wage wall'
Workers in Saxony-Anhalt are walking out in protest over low wages this week. The NGG union has called strikes at two Schwarz Group factories under the slogan 'Tear Down the Wage Wall'. Employees at Bonback in Halle Queis and MEG in Weißenfels are demanding fairer pay to match levels in western Germany. The strikes began today at Bonback, located in Star Park Halle Queis, and will continue through tomorrow. A separate three-day walkout is also underway at MEG in Weißenfels. Both companies are owned by the Schwarz Group, which also operates Lidl and Kaufland.
Bonback was originally known as ARTIback before the Schwarz Group acquired it two years ago. The union claims wages in Saxony-Anhalt remain far below those at the same company's sites in other states. Some workers reportedly earn as little as €900 per month. NGG has accused the Schwarz Group of maintaining an *'East's low-wage workforce'* and is pushing for higher pay. While exact wage comparisons over five years are unavailable, national tariff increases in related sectors show monthly pay rising from €2,426 in September 2022 to €2,500 in September 2023. Local averages in Saxony-Anhalt, however, remain significantly lower, with production roles in Bitterfeld-Wolfen paying around €35,010 annually.
The strikes will disrupt operations at both factories for several days. NGG insists the action will continue until wages reflect those in western states. The Schwarz Group has not yet responded publicly to the union's demands.
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