The social situation of salt workers

The fairy tale of the good old days

In earlier times, salt workers had a difficult social situation. They were dependent on the salt works, which exercised both economic and legal power.

The wages of the salt workers were low and they only received cheap foodstuffs such as grain and lard as additional benefits. Although occasional allowances were granted in times of need, wages remained low despite the rising cost of living, as salt was the state's main source of income.

Nevertheless, salt workers enjoyed some privileges, such as exemption from military service and taxes, free medical care and old-age security. The future of their sons seemed secure as they found work at the salt office.

In order to keep wages low, the cost of living was lowered instead, food prices were regulated and the salt workers were supplied with grain and lard. This was done by transporting bread grain as counter-freight on the emptied salt pans. The sale of grain was strictly regulated to prevent uncontrolled price rises.