Union worker on solidarity: Many colleagues were unaware of our problems

Irina Vavitsa, a 76-year-old Greek-born woman who moved to Germany in 1971, recalls organizing a spontaneous strike with other migrant workers at the auto parts supplier Hella in Lippstadt during the 1970s. The protest followed a decision by German colleagues to receive a raise while her group remained unpaid. She described the four-day demonstration as a moment of joy and unity, noting how many coworkers and locals were initially unaware of their struggles but quickly rallied behind them once informed. The strike, she claims, succeeded due to widespread solidarity from other workers in the Ruhr region and beyond. The strike took place in the early years of Germany’s guest worker program, which brought millions of migrants from countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy to fill labor shortages after World War II. Vavitsa arrived in Germany at age 21 under this agreement, moving with her husband to Lippstadt in North Rhine-Westphalia to work at Hella. At the time, the policy was framed as temporary, migrants would come to work, earn money, and return home once conditions improved. But for many, including Vavitsa, the reality was far more complex and painful. She describes life as a guest worker as provisional and unstable. Families often lived in barracks-style housing, some of which had previously housed forced laborers during Nazi times. Access to basic services, including childcare, was virtually nonexistent. Vavitsa refers to children born to migrant families as “Kofferkinder,” a term reflecting the emotional toll of being separated from their parents. After two months of a child's birth, mothers were required to return to work, forcing young children to stay with relatives in their home countries. Parents could visit briefly, but long-term stays were restricted because they were classified as tourists rather than residents. These challenges were compounded by societal attitudes toward women working outside the home. Vavitsa notes that it was unusual for women in West Germany at the time to balance both career and family responsibilities. Her experience highlights the broader difficulties faced by female migrant workers, who often bore the brunt of both economic hardship and social discrimination. The International Union of Metalworkers (IG Metall), one of Germany’s largest unions, has over 2 million members, with nearly half a million being seniors. Its local office in Lippstadt serves around 13,000 members, many of whom trace their roots back to the guest worker era. Vavitsa remains active in the union, continuing to advocate for workers' rights even decades after her initial activism. Her story reflects the enduring impact of historical labor movements and the ongoing struggle for dignity and recognition among immigrant communities. Vavitsa’s recollections underscore the political significance of the strikes organized by migrant workers during the 1970s. These actions, she says, demonstrated the capacity of non-German workers to organize and demand better treatment. Despite the prevailing assumption that migrant laborers were temporary and expendable, these protests challenged the notion that they lacked agency. Over 350 such strikes, largely led by migrants, helped shift public perception and laid the groundwork for future labor rights advancements. Today, Vavitsa lives in Lippstadt, still connected to the community and its history. Her experiences offer a rare glimpse into the personal and collective sacrifices made by early migrant workers, whose contributions shaped modern Germany’s industrial landscape. While the policies of the past have evolved, the legacy of those who fought for fair wages and respect continues to influence contemporary discussions on immigration, labor rights, and social justice.