Union seeks to preserve Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick from closure - Union aims to safeguard Oettinger brewery in Braunschweig
In the heart of Northern Germany, the Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick faces an uncertain future as its owners plan to cease production by spring 2026, with a move to sites in Oettingen and Mönchengladbach on the horizon. However, the Union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) is determined to prevent the closure, aiming to protect local jobs, maintain economic stability, and preserve the brewery's cultural and social importance.
As a labour union representing workers in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, the NGG is no stranger to intervening in such cases. Their mission is to advocate for employees’ rights and negotiate solutions that could keep the employer viable and employees employed.
The potential closure of the Oettinger Brewery could be due to various economic pressures such as declining sales, rising production costs, competition, or management decisions to consolidate or relocate. While specific details regarding the challenges faced by the Oettinger Brewery have not been disclosed, market conditions and operational costs are often at the heart of brewery closures.
In an effort to save the brewery, the NGG might pursue several solutions. These could include negotiating with the brewery owners for better terms to keep production local, advocating for government support or subsidies to sustain the brewery’s operations, and mobilizing public and political support to emphasize the brewery’s cultural and employment significance. The union might also explore options for restructuring, partnership, or investment to make the brewery financially viable.
The Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick has a rich history, having been in operation since 1871. The union considers the site to be economically viable and capable of continuing production, a sentiment echoed by NGG secretary Alexander Nimptsch, who believes that if Oettinger's product range works, production should continue in Brunswick due to its logistical centrality for Northern Germany.
However, Nimptsch has accused Oettinger of lacking transparency, stating that the works council was not informed beforehand about the plans for closure. Around 150 jobs are at risk due to the closure, a fact that underscores the gravity of the situation for both the employees and the local community.
The Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick was acquired by Oettinger from Carlsberg in 2009, joining the Oettinger portfolio alongside the former Feldschlößchen Brewery, also acquired from Carlsberg in the same year. As the union fights to keep the brewery open, the future of this historic site remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the NGG is committed to doing everything possible to keep the Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick.
To ensure the preservation of the Oettinger Brewery in Brunswick, the Union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) may negotiate vocational training programs for employees to enhance their skills in the manufacturing industry, thereby making the brewery more competitive and financially stable. Additionally, the union could advocate for government finance or business support to maintain economic stability, safeguard local jobs, and uphold the brewery's cultural and social significance in the community.
