At Zalando in Erfurt, an arbitration board has to mediate following a labor court ruling. This is one of the topics at the second works meeting for the workforce of the logistics center, which is threatened with closure. The workers’ meeting is planned for April 15 in one of the Erfurt exhibition halls, as the works council announced.
The online fashion retailer employs around 2,700 people in the logistics center in Erfurt. According to the DAX group’s plans, it should be closed in September. The employee representatives are fighting against this.
The works council speaks of a blockade
The works council explained that the works meeting was about a “clear signal for co-determination and against the management’s current refusal to engage in dialogue”. “It’s time to speak plainly.” He accuses the management of a blocking attitude. So far, the management team has refused to “enter into a real exchange”. The employee representatives also want to present an alternative plan.
The meeting will, among other things, also provide information about the risks associated with termination agreements. The aim of the meeting is to make clear the workforce’s demands “for fair conditions and genuine appreciation”.
Arbitration board with eight members
After a labor court decision a few days ago, a conciliation board is supposed to mediate the conflict over the closure of the large Zalando logistics center. The online fashion retailer had applied for conciliation and appealed to the court. Labor law provides for conciliation bodies to act as arbitration bodies in companies when the works council and the employer cannot agree on important issues.
The conciliation board should consist of four assessors who represent the two parties. According to court information, the former judge and State Secretary for Justice Josef Molkenbur from Saxony-Anhalt was appointed chairman.
