ContiTech Rubber Plant Strike in Szeged Over 100,000 Forint Bonus

Workers at the ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft. plant in Szeged have formed a strike committee and begun preparations for a work stoppage. The dispute centers on a promised one‑time 100,000‑forint bonus that would be paid via SZÉP cards, which employees say should be given unconditionally. Failing that, they demand a genuine wage agreement with the employer.

Union leader Radics Gábor of the Gumiipari Szakszervezeti Szövetség said the bonus is tied to the acceptance of a unilateral 6.5% wage increase announced by management, a figure that translates to less than 5% annually. The company, which reports a 37% rise in profit to 24.5 billion forints last year, argues its current wage measures are sustainable through 2026 and cannot meet further salary demands. Management also cites increased workload and task redistribution as pressures on staff.

The strike echoes earlier labour unrest at Continental facilities, notably a 2021 strike at the Makó tyre plant after a collective contract was terminated.