Author: gruene gewerke

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Trade Union “Initiative Grüne Gewerke” condemns attacks on minimum wage from German Farmers’ Association

Get off of our colleagues – same wage for same work!

The trade union “Initiative Grüne Gewerke” (IGG FAU) has reacted with dismay and anger to the proposals for exceptions to the minimum wage made by Farmers’ Association President Rukwied and Federal Agriculture Minister Rainer. The union is threatening with actions, calling for a general change in policy and an equalization of working conditions for seasonal workers. It is also demanding €15 as the minimum wage for all employees in the sector. Continue reading “Trade Union “Initiative Grüne Gewerke” condemns attacks on minimum wage from German Farmers’ Association”

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Press release: IGG condemns Chiquita’s actions in Panama

The trade union ‘Initiative Grüne Gewerke’ (IGG FAU) condemns the actions of the Chiquita company in Panama, where almost 5,000 workers were dismissed following a strike. The workers, along with many other employees in the country, had protested against stricter pension legislation, the US military presence, the expropriation of indigenous people and the reopening of an environmentally damaging copper mine. The IGG is calling on all consumers to reconsider buying Chiquita products. Continue reading “Press release: IGG condemns Chiquita’s actions in Panama”

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Active during shopping: Documenting in support of agricultural workers in Spain!

Dear comrades, colleagues, supporters,

We would like to call for support for unionized agricultural workers in the region of Almeria (Andalusia in Spain). With a little research while shopping you can support the workers of the class struggle union SOC-SAT and the organization Interbrigadas.

Research when shopping for vegetables – this is how it works:

Continue reading “Active during shopping: Documenting in support of agricultural workers in Spain!”

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IGG networks and expands its base

Even though it is peak season for our members in horticulture and agriculture, our trade union initiative is growing – and establishing further contacts, including across national borders. For example, IGG trade unionists met with Andalusian trade unionists from SOC-SAT from the scandalous farming region of Almeria and the “Jornaleras de Huelva” (day laborers in struggle, Huelva). Mediated by the organization “Interbrigadas”, we discussed greenwashing by organic associations, supply chains and possible international forms of struggle. The working conditions described by the colleagues were shocking on the one hand, but unfortunately also very similar to the practices of cheating and exploitation that we are familiar with from our everyday trade union life in Germany. We also visited a SoLaWi together and discussed the concept from the perspective of precarious agricultural workers. The first face-to-face meeting of our young initiative is scheduled for the end of August; the main topics will be further strategy and the formation of regional structures.

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Labor rights flyer in several languages

Migrant workers, especially in agriculture, are still affected by serious labor law violations, wage dumping and, in some cases, mafia-like violence. In many cases, their brutal exploitation is what makes today’s agricultural industry possible in the first place, but the often labor-intensive organic companies are also heavily involved. In line with the current seasonal labor report, we are now offering flyers with some of the most important labor rights in various languages.

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Next steps from initiative to industry trade union

Since the first steps 2022, the number of IGG members has more than doubled. With our initial presence in trade associations, protests and conferences, we were fortunately able to gain many experienced colleagues and thus expertise and different perspectives. At the same time, the complex debates surrounding the farmers’ protests also showed us how important it is to develop a joint analysis and strategy for the IGG in order to be effective in labor disputes and social movements. We have therefore set ourselves this task for 2024.

At the same time, we are working on building regional and sub-sector groups, our multilingualism and our presence in other networks. We invite all interested colleagues to join us on our journey and play an active role in shaping the IGG.