Karl Hauenschild (30 August 1920 – 28 February 2006) was aGerman trade union leader and politician.
Born inHanover, Hauenschild left school early due to economic hardship. He refused to join theHitler Youth, and so was barred from his planned career in financial administration, instead becoming a clerk at a chemical company. In 1940, he was conscripted into theWehrmacht and fought on the Eastern Front. He was wounded, and then later captured by American troops, becoming aprisoner of war.[1][2]
In May 1945, Hauenschild was released and returned to his job at the chemical company. He also joined theSocial Democratic Party and a local forerunner of theChemical, Paper and Ceramic Union (IG Chemie). From 1947, he worked full-time as a union organiser in Hanover, which also happened to be the headquarters to the co-ordination of the various zonal unions in the chemical industry. As a result, his skills were noticed, and he was given a leading role in organisation education within the union. Later, he was elected to the union's executive committee, with responsibility for organisation and administration.[1][2]
In 1969, Hauenschild was elected as president of IG Chemie, in which role he took the union to the right-wing of the union movement. A strong supporter ofsocial partnership, he was criticised for conducting secretive negotiations with employers, and leading a top-down style of organisation. In 1970, he was additionally elected as president of theInternational Federation of Chemical, Energy and General Workers' Unions.[1][3][2]
From 1979 to 1980, Hauenschild served as a member of theEuropean Parliament. He retired from his union positions in 1982.[1]
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of theChemical, Paper and Ceramic Union 1969–1982 | Succeeded by Hermann Rappe |
| Preceded by | President of theInternational Federation of Chemical, Energy and General Workers' Unions 1970–1983 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| People | |
