Warning strikes at DSV: Employees demand fair contracts and more vacation!

Warning strikes at DSV: Employees demand fair contracts and more vacation!

The tense situation at Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV) is escalating again. On July 14th and 15th, employees at all five German locations - Lippstadt, Leutewitz, Bückwitz, Asendorf and Thüle - will go on a warning strike. This reports Lokalkompass.de. The Industrial Union for Construction, Agriculture and Environment (IG BAU) is calling for warning strikes to improve working conditions and is pushing for the introduction of an in-house collective agreement.

The list of demands from DSV employees reads clearly: The employees are seeking a monthly salary increase of 350 euros, three additional days of vacation for union members and the inclusion of previous company benefits in the collective agreement. Unfortunately, management shows no interest in negotiations and categorically rejects talks. Instead, the DSV leadership is trying to intimidate its employees with individual letters that question the right to strike. IG BAU sees this as a direct attack on constitutional rights.

Background and effects

The strike is part of a longer series of protests by DSV employees that have been ongoing since the end of March 2024, including an impressive demonstration in Lippstadt. With around 450 employees in Germany and a total of around 780 worldwide, the DSV Group is not to be neglected. In the last financial year, the group made a profit of around 11.1 million euros before taxes. Given these figures, one wonders why the concerns of the workforce receive so little attention.

Developments in the agricultural sector illustrate a growing willingness to carry out warning strikes. These times are not only crucial for DSV, but are in the larger context of a changing labor market in Germany. Loud verbandsbuero.de In-house collective agreements are becoming increasingly important in order to ensure fair pay and co-determination rights for employees. This goes hand in hand with the growing number of collective bargaining disputes, which can often lead to the higher wages demanded, especially in Germany.

A look at the data shows that collective bargaining coverage in Germany has fallen from 67% in 2000 to just 54% in 2018, as the bpb reported. This downward trend could bring both challenges and opportunities for DSV employees. Although there is a sharp decline in the number of companies bound by collective agreements, the willingness to fight and strike is increasing.

Conclusion on the current situation

The DSV employees have decided to stand up for their demands and raise their voices. The upcoming warning strikes on July 14th and 15th will send a decisive signal. The question remains whether management will respond to employees' legitimate concerns or continue to adhere to its rigid stance.