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On 28 January 2019 he negotiations between the independent trade union Audi Hungaria (AHFSZ) and Audi management concluded without reaching any meaningful agreement and as such strike action continues at the Györ plant. Following a 2–hour warning strike on 18 January 2019, the trade union launched 7-days of strike action that started on 24 January 2019. The union is calling for a minimum increase in salaries of 18% as well as a monthly salary floor of HUF 75,000 (€235). The union is also seeking an increase in the annual benefits-in-kind valuation threshold from HUF 620,000 (€1,940) to HUF 787,000 (€2,460). Audi however is offering a 10% salary increase for 2019 and 10% again for 2020. From day one of the strike action ‘Engine production at Györ almost completely stopped,” stated György Csalogány, Audi Hungaria (AHFSZ) vice president. The union stated that workers are determined and united and that 300 new members had joined the union since the strike action had started. The union argues that salaries across Volkswagen’s other European facilities are higher than those paid in Hungary. For instance salaries in Slovakia are 28% higher, while those in the Czech Republic are 25% higher, and Polish workers are paid almost 39% more. Audi Belgium’s average salary is 3.6 times that of Hungary. Germany’s largest union, IG Metall declared its full support for the strike action and stated that satisfactory results could only be secured via international company cooperation. The German union giant argues that the average Hungarian worker’s pre-tax salary is €1,100 yet Hungary’s cost of living is comparable with levels across the rest of Western Europe. Audi Hungaria employs some 13,000 at its Györ facility. The AHFSZ union has some 9,000 workers among its membership.
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