medion/muelheim (2)

text in german
(02.11.00 / a shorter version appeared in the hotlines-leaflet no. 2)

The hotlines-leaflet on the extension of the working hours in call centers was distributed at Medion on Friday, October 13th, during the change of shifts. The overall reaction was positive. At last something is happening!
Many have already worked in other call centers, among those some in those on the leaflet. They confirmed the reports on the situation there. Some emphasized, that it is true: we are in a strong position. The call center-managements are looking for workers but cannot easily find any. And they cannot keep them in their company either.
There is a new situation now where many people have talked to each other. Many have just met and talked for the first time and the atmosphere in the first- and second-level-hotline was better as months before. There was also approval in the guarantee department and on the work bench. The teamleaders have stayed neutral. They have not stopped the dicussion, some have even taken part. But they have not openly taken a side.
On the following Wednesday the union hbv (Handel, Banken, Versicherungen = commerce, banking, insurance) gave out a leaflet inviting to an assembly to the start elections of a works council (=Betriebsrat, representation body of workers in a company). People had mixed feelings: Shall I go there? Does it bring disadvantages? Does a works council help us? There were voices in favour of a works council, hoping to get the promised wage raise and an end to overtime during the Aldi-promotions (computer etc. sales promotions by the supermarket chain Aldi). And there were opinions against a works council. Those who were doing overtime on their own choice saw this opportunity threatened.
Rumours started spreading that someone from shift management and a teamleader were going to run for the works council. It was clear that a works council with shift- and teamleaders would not improve the situation of the workers. The distrust of a works council got bigger.
On Friday, October 20th, a second hotlines-leaflet was distributed at Medion. That was one day before the assembly. It was a statement against the formation of a works council and in favour of workers self-organising. On the same day there were rumours that the attendance at the assembly would be secretly screened by shift-leaders.
The assembly then was only a big show. The union hbv had rented the bar of a tennis club. But the bar was too small so the tennis players were thrown of the lawn and a match of a different type started. There were altogether 120 people, but only 30 from the hotline. The rest were loyal administration employees. The management, it seemed, had given out an order and they behaved well and came all. The hbv tried to exclude the shift-leaders but they just did not leave. It was a big farce.
After the assembly the workers agreed that such a works council would be a waste of time. The opinions were split into two groups: against the works council and for self-organising. Here and there some ideas came up how that could work. Or holding on to the works council, taking part in the elections in big numbers and trying to get people from the hotline into it. That position apparently was only supported by a minority.
All in all the situation has calmed down a bit at the moment. Since last week Aldi sells a new notebook. That means "red lamp" and longer discussions are only possible during breaks. But we have developed new contacts and friendships and at the next occasion we will be able to get together again.


top of the page