30 March, 2012Members of the ITUA went on strike after repeated attempts to negotiate with the company failed. VW workers at a neighbouring plant pledge solidarity.
RUSSIA: Benteler workers in Kaluga, Russia, organized by the IMF affiliate Interregional Trade Union of Autoworkers (ITUA), went on strike in the evening of March 29.
Benteler workers struck, as management had repeatedly refused to negotiate with the union.
On February 29 the ITUA union local offered company management to begin negotiations, however, the company refused. In early March the workers held a work-to-rule strike which prompted management to accept negotiations. Still, collective bargaining didn't begin in March, and instead of engaging in good faith negotiations with the union, management has adopted anti-union policies. It refused to register any documents handed over by the representatives of the ITUA and prohibited activists from remaining on plant premises during nonworking hours.
On March 29 at 08:00 pm Benteler workers went on strike. Earlier that evening ITUA coordinator in Kaluga Dmitry Kozhnev took part in the meeting with company management, city authorities and the prosecutor's office. Company management stated that it refused to negotiate with the ITUA alone, since it didn't represent all workers. Kozhnev replied that the ITUA represents Benteler workers in full accordance with Russian law. The management promised to prepare an official note accepting negotiations, however, it never did.
There have been reports of company intimidation and harassment towards the workers, including information that security guards tried to seize Kozhnev and throw him out of the building, but were stopped by the workers. Workers have continued to overwhelmingly support the ITUA.
Upon announcement of the strike, workers were forced by security guards out of the shops, but they managed to stay in the cafeteria. The plant was surrounded by riot police and security forces from both Benteler and nearby Volkswagen plant. However, workers from VW, also organized by the ITUA, as well as social and union activists from Kaluga went to the factory gates to support striking workers.
Benteler supplies car parts to the Volkswagen plant. Since there is no stock of Benteler components at VW, there is a possibility that production at VW will completely stop. Benteler workers managed to stop the assembly line at their plant for half an hour, however, the management has used the administrative staff and security guards as strikebreakers.
To date, some 100 striking workers are still at the plant. Company management ordered to take all food and beverages out of the cafeteria, so the ITUA organized a solidarity fund for food and water for the striking workers. Plans for future stoppages are underway.
In a letter addressed to Benteler CEO Hubert Koopmann, the IMF called on an end to attacks against strikers and urged the company to enter into good faith negotiations immediately.
The IMF will continue to watch the situation closely and report on the events in Kaluga, Russia.