Refusal to bargain: In April 2013, 97 per cent of Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft members voted in favour of strike action at the Amazon plant in Leipzig. Management repeatedly refused to start wage negotiations and encouraged its employees to join work councils rather than trade unions. The company has 1,200 permanent and 800 temporary workers in Leipzig.

Exclusion of workers: Workers employed in churches and Christian welfare organisations are excluded from the right to bargain and the right to strike.

Interference in strikes: In June 2012, the Damp Hospital group dismissed 1,000 workers to undermine strike action in relation to a labour dispute. Management justified the dismissal by saying the workers "failed to comply with their contractual obligations." A minimum service agreement is in force and 48 hours' notice must be given in advance of a strike.

Disclaimer: © ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.