A trade union for nightclub workers in Berlin has been launched in response to “often predatory management practices,” according to a new report from Resident Advisor.
Berliner Clubarbeitenden Gewerkschaf registered as an official union last month, following the group’s initial launch in December 2023. A “systematic burnout of workers and a hire-to-fire mentality” in the city’s nightlife establishments were among the primary reasons for starting the union, according to a union spokesperson.
“We’ll be offering accessible legal guidance, sharing our experiences on specific issues and actively monitoring working conditions in the club scene,” the spokesperson told Resident Advisor. “When a worker encounters difficulties in a club, challenging such an institution can seem daunting, so we aim to serve as a valuable source of information and support.”
The union will also aim to open “discussion for all members of the industry to have a voice” and create “a network of industry workers who can support each other,” according to the group’s Instagram page.
Berliner Clubarbeitenden Gewerkschaf has reportedly earned interest and support from “almost every Berlin techno club,” though the union declined to mention clubs by name in an effort to protect its members.
Now actively seeking new members, they have encouraged any Berlin nightclub workers who are interested in joining to reach out via direct message on Instagram. The union is also planning to host a “rave demonstration parade” on May 1 for Berlin’s May Day holiday, a long-running demonstration for fair labor conditions in the city.
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