Scherdel Brewery in Hof is fighting against restrictions and strikes!

Scherdel Brewery in Hof is fighting against restrictions and strikes!

An accident at the Scherdel brewery in Hof last year led to months of restrictions on operations. This information was announced at the general meeting of Kulmbacher Brewery AG by board member Jörg Lehmann. The Scherdel brewery is part of the Kulmbacher brewery AG and produces, among other things, the traditional beer for the Hofer Schlappentag, which takes place on June 16th.

The effects of the accident not only put a strain on internal operations, but could also affect preparations for local events. The challenge that the brewery now has to overcome is not only a technical one, but also a question of operating costs and wages.

Strikes and wage increases in the brewery

In addition to the problems arising from the accident, the Scherdel Brewery and the Kulmbacher Brewery are currently the focus of a warning strike that took place on April 24, 2023. The employees are demanding a wage increase of 12% from the NGG union to compensate for the increase in prices. Employers have made an offer of just 3% this year and a further 3% next year, which strikers see as inadequate.

The warning strike led to production coming to a standstill in all three shifts. The high level of union organization in the Kulmbach brewery, especially in the technical area at 95%, has increased the pressure on employers. Michael Grundl, the managing director of the NGG in Upper Franconia, was positive about the high level of participation in the strike and emphasized the commitment of the employees.

Solidarity and support

The strikers showed their determination and demonstrated not only in front of the Kulmbacher brewery, but also in front of other large food producers and at the brewery's administration building. Kulmbach's mayor Ingo Lehmann visited the strikers and expressed his hope for an early agreement between the parties.

Support also came from Manfred Böhm from the Catholic company pastoral care in Bamberg, who emphasized the importance of the wage demands. The employees signaled that they are ready to continue fighting for their interests in the future and pursuing their demands for fair wages.

The current situation at the Scherdel Brewery and the Kulmbacher Brewery highlights the challenges that the industry currently has to overcome and raises questions regarding economic stability and employee satisfaction. The coming months are likely to be crucial for the future of these traditional companies.