New Book Reveals the Untold Story of Germany's 138-Day Publishing Strike
A new book, titled 'Just Go on Strike!', documents a 138-day strike at Bundesanzeiger Verlag GmbH, one of the longest labour disputes in recent German publishing history. The book recounts the 2024 walkout by over 160 employees demanding a collective bargaining agreement. The conflict ended in January 2025 without any concessions from management.
The strike began in February 2024 when workers at Bundesanzeiger Verlag walked out to push for a formal collective agreement. More than 160 employees took part, but the action faced challenges from the start. Management responded with exclusionary tactics and smear campaigns against the strikers. Reports also suggested the company used temporary agency workers to weaken the labour action.
Support for the strikers came from across the political spectrum, with backing from CDU, SPD, Green, and Die Linke politicians. However, media coverage remained sparse, particularly in Cologne's local press—owned by the same corporate group as Bundesanzeiger Verlag.
The book, published by VSA Verlag, spans 168 pages and costs €12. It argues that workers initially overestimated the company's commitment to social partnership, a belief that proved costly. Despite the prolonged struggle, management refused to negotiate, and the strike concluded in early 2025 with no agreement.
The upcoming works council election will reveal whether a majority of employees still support the fight for collective bargaining rights.
The book's release keeps the dispute in public view, detailing both the workers' determination and the company's resistance. With no resolution reached, the next election will show if the push for a collective agreement still holds strong among staff. The outcome could shape future labour relations at Bundesanzeiger Verlag.
