The Verdi union continues to put pressure on the online and mail order retailer Momox Services GmbH in Leipzig. Employees are called on warning strikes on Monday and Tuesday. “We expect a good turnout,” Verdi union secretary Ronny Streich told the German Press Agency. He didn’t want to commit to numbers that morning. Verdi calls for the recognition of the collective agreements of the retail and mail order trade in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Union wants to increase pressure
“As long as the employers do not negotiate, we will put pressure on – and more and more. They – the employers – should not make the mistake of underestimating the seriousness, courage and determination of their colleagues,” Streich said when calling for a warning strike. The industrial action will now be intensified and will take place over two days for the first time.
It was said that Christmas business is currently booming after Black Week and Black Friday. “High work and performance pressure, overtime, no rest, high levels of sickness – these are the consequences for the employees. And all of this without a collective agreement and for a wage that is barely enough for them to live on,” emphasized the union.
Many migrants in the workforce
Many migrants from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Iran and Venezuela worked at Momox in Leipzig. They were under particular pressure, it said. “Work rush and pressure to perform meet existential fears. The migrant employees fear that if they lose their job they will also lose their residence permit. Momox also exploits this fear, especially with temporary positions.”
Company rejects union representation
The company had previously rejected the union’s representation. With an hourly wage of 14.50 euros, the wage payment at Momox Services GmbH is significantly above the minimum wage of 12.82 euros per hour, Momox announced at the beginning of December. Over the last ten years, the average annual wage increase has been around 7.7 percent, well above the inflation rate.
Most recently, Momox described the impact of warning strikes as very small. “Momox offers all employees the same good and secure jobs, with fair pay above the minimum wage and real development prospects – regardless of gender, religion and origin,” emphasized company spokeswoman Ariane Grebing.
Momox is an online and mail order retailer for used media such as books, music, DVDs and records as well as second-hand clothing. The company was founded in 2004. According to Verdi, around 1,400 employees currently work in the main warehouse in Leipzig.