Germany: metal sector (teleworkers) warning strikes replacing traditional whistles and leaflets with cooking programs and get fit classes

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One cup of olive oil, 2 onions, 2 red peppers,… unusually, these ingredients for a vegetarian recipe are to be found on the powerful German IG Metall (Baden-Württemberg) metalworkers’ union website. On 12 March, metalworkers will be invited to cook with IG Metall chief negotiator Roman Zitzelsberger himself… during their working hours. Since the industrial relations peace clause expired on 01 March, IG Metall has launched a series of unprecedented warning strikes in support of its collective bargaining negotiations demands (c.f. article No. 12386). Given that group assemblies are not feasible under Covid-19 restrictions, the union has replaced traditional factory gate rallies with extraordinary forms of mobilization, including car parades and drive-in cinemas… The union is also focusing on employees who are working from home. So at 10.00 on 12 March, those working from home will be able to use their tablets and laptops to participate in the first virtual warning strike launched by IG Metall in Baden-Württemberg. The two-hour strike will be streamed on a dedicated web page (https://streik-alarm.de/) and on the union’s official Facebook and Youtube accounts. In addition to the cooking show, striking employees will be able to take part in debates, listen to a music concert, and participate in a get fit class.

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