This photo documents thick fumes pumping out of a Foundry, 2nd December. Photo provided by neighbor. |
What's going on at the bavarian foundry Gusswerk Waltenhofen? There are allegations that pollutants are pumped into the air, profits are made at the expense of the workforce and investments for the improving working conditions aren't put into action either. Battling this conflict is owner Dr. Ruja Ignatova. The fact remains, the management is in current negotiations with the labor union IG Metal Kempten regarding a financial restructuring agreement.
The background: In year 2009, the foundry had filed for bankruptcy. In April 2010, Dr. Ruja Ignatova bought the firm which was then followed by the reduction of employees from 137 to 80. With help from a transfer company, Ignatova contributed a financial "substantial sum", which would be mediated to employees who were put of work and placed into new working conditions.
The allegations: The residents report noise, odors, fumes and have provided photos from the beginning of December that shows the foundry surrounded by thick vapors. "They will pay a fine, and then they will continue on like before." scolded a neighbor who is willing to go to court.
Employees of the firm sharply criticize that fewer employees than before have to produce more and achieve target profits. The workforce also continually has to work under the same conditions that were initially accepted in order to redevelop the business. There was a withdraw of Christmas and vacation money and 14, 5 more hours of work per month without pay. "The firm is better off than ever before, but the owner takes money out, doesn't pay supplier invoices, doesn't take care of the garbage, there are no new filter bags and even the ones that were promised to customers," said an employee who didn't want to be named. The Oberallgäu District Court confirmed, that the foundry "has a past and current coherence with emission control." Press correspondent Andreas Kaenders wouldn't go into detail.
The foundry: Dr. Ruja Ignatova claims a "temporary" noise pollution, caused by the fact that the gate wasn't properly closed by employees. But now they have this "under control." As far as pollution is concerned, measurements taken by TÜV show that everything is in order. An improvement would be achieved by a new cupola oven, an investment between 800,000 and one million Euros. She said that it should be purchased next year. "We are growing, but with that, we have to overcome many challenges and fund our growth." The current cupola oven is certainly old, but according to the Industry Control Office, employees are not at risk. The number of employees increased from 80 after bankruptcy to 105 employees. Regarding the working conditions, the firm is in discussions with IG Metal Kempten.
The Labor Union: representing IG Metal Kempten Carlos Gil confirms negotiations concerning the working conditions. The team is ready to contribute to the restructuring of the company and to forego Christmas and vacation bonuses. Nevertheless, there are those who are "surprised and disappointed" that the last input from the workers has not yet led up to having a cleaned up and stable foundry.
Source: Allgäuer Zeitung 17. Dec. 2011; Barbara Hell
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