The first round of negotiations in the paper industry quickly came to an end. After 25 minutes, the employers left the talks, demanding a six percent increase in wages and salaries for the 8,000 employees, according to the PRO-GE and GPA unions. You speak of an “unprecedented scandal”.
The two chief negotiators on the part of the workers, Peter Schleinbach (PRO-GE) and Christian Schuster (GPA), were angry after the sudden end: “The condescending tone of the employers clearly shows the disregard for the justified concerns of the employees and is an unprecedented provocation for social partnership in the paper industry.”
Because of this “disrespectful refusal to talk,” unions are said to brief industry works councils in an April 7 conference, discuss proceedings and decide on union action.
Not the first claim of this magnitude
The level of worker demand isn’t entirely surprising, as the two unions had earlier entered the electrical industry wage round with a desire for a six percent increase. According to both parties, the discussion climate here was good and the negotiations will continue on April 4.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
