Bike Systems: Strikers Start Self-managed Production

NORDHAUSEN, Germany – The 135 employees of the Biria subsidiary Bike Systems GmbH who keep the factory occupied since 10 July 2007, decided to resume the production of bicycles in self-management. For this purpose they have to receive a binding order of 1,800 units not later than October 2nd.

Therefore the Bike Systems employers are working together with the so-called “anarcho syndicalist union” - FAU (= Freie Arbeiterinnen- und Arbeiter Union = free workers union).

The Bike Systems staff has planned to produce a male and female version of a “Strike-Bike”. It will cost € 275 (consumer price). Bicycle retailers can order this bike for € 200 and support this unique strike in the eastern German state of Thuringia.

Strike since July
When US investor Lone Star Funds acquired Biria Group some people already forecasted the end of the once largest German bicycle producer. By the time Lone Star sold Biria’s juiciest piece, Bike Systems’ producing sister in Neukirch, to competitor Mifa AG it became clear that Lone Star won’t invest any further into the Nordhausen facility. Especially in view of the fact that with the takeover of the Neukirch facility, Lone Star got a participation of 25% in Mifa AG. As soon as it became clear that Bike Systems would do only some time-limited side works for Mifa before closing down, the staff went on strike in July.