Workers demand fair pay and job security at Stage XL

Stage XL workers unite against precarious contracts and unfair labor practices

Workers at 36 Stage XL, a subsidiary of the event logistics firm formerly known as Lieferando, are pushing for better conditions. A newly formed workplace group, backed by the anarchist grassroots union FAU, has raised concerns over precarious contracts and unfair treatment. The company now faces growing pressure as employees demand changes to pay, job security, and working conditions. Vojta C. and German Garcia are among the workers highlighting the issues at 36 Stage XL. Vojta, a stagehand responsible for heavy lifting and event setup, described physically demanding shifts with little stability. Garcia, originally on a minijob contract, found himself with almost no work after disputing unpaid wages. When he fell ill, he received no compensation for missed shifts.

The FAU-backed workplace group has taken action by launching an online campaign, Stage Workers United, to inform and support industry workers. They have also commissioned a legal review to challenge the company's employment contracts. These contracts often classify workers as self-employed, denying them rights like minimum wage (€12.41 per hour in 2024), paid leave, and social protections. Courts, including the Federal Labour Court in 2023, have previously ruled that similar arrangements in the gig economy amount to bogus self-employment, as companies control shifts, routes, and equipment.

36 Stage XL has acknowledged concerns about predictability and financial security among staff. They claim to be reviewing internal structures and emphasise their commitment to workplace safety, including protective gear. However, the company has not responded to multiple open letters from the union.

Legal experts point to key laws that could apply here: the Part-Time and Fixed-Term Act, the Working Time Act, the Minimum Wage Act, and the Civil Code provisions on sham self-employment. If contracts are deemed dependent employment in disguise, workers may gain full rights under German labour law. The dispute puts 36 Stage XL under scrutiny as workers and the FAU demand fairer contracts and better protections. If legal challenges succeed, employees could secure rights like guaranteed pay, sick leave, and social insurance. For now, the company's review of its structures remains ongoing, while the union's campaign continues to gather support.