Centenary festivities held at the city hall for Bremen Workshop's 100-year anniversary
Celebrating a Century of Empowerment: Martinshof Workshop for Disabled Individuals
Marking its 100th anniversary on March 2, 2023, the Martinshof workshop in the Upper Town Hall of Bremen, a haven for individuals with disabilities, reflects on its rich history while looking towards a more inclusive future. Senior Senator Stahmann envisions an expanded role for the Martinshof, including the establishment of an inner-city café.
The history of the Martinshof, once known as Werkstatt Bremen, was comprehensive, featuring both triumphant and challenging periods. Managing directors Sabine Kohler, Philipp Hirth, Ramona Bauermann-Meyer (Women's representative of Werkstatt Bremen/Martinshof employees) and Ronald Pawlik (chairman of the workshop council) presented this history during the jubilee event.
Hirth addressed the dark years during World War II, noting the importance of understanding the past to create a culture of remembrance. The workshop aims to pursue academic collaboration to shed light on the wartime experiences of the people who worked there.
Established in 1923 by the Bremen Employment Office and Welfare Office, the Werkstatt Bremen served as a non-profit workshops for the physically disabled. In 1953, the Martinshof was formed as "Municipal Social Workshops and Care Home."
The day was special, with some honorary guests absent due to illness, including previous managing directors Günter Oelscher and Hans Horn. The long-standing managing director Wilfried Hautop, despite being indisposed, virtually graced the event.
The Martinshof evolved over time, focusing on lifelong support and labor market integration. Boasting six locations in Bremen around 2011, the Martinshof employed over 2,000 people. Today, the number stands at 2,200, employing approximately 1,900 people with disabilities across 37 locations. Ranging from gardening to textile craftsmanship, their work includes modern assembly tasks, retail sales, bike shop management, Christmas market participation, and selling products such as "Bremen Senate Jam" and "Senate Wine from the Mosel."
The Martinshof continues to evolve, focusing on reducing the gender pay gap and ensuring equal pay for women employees. The institution pledges to modify its structure to address this issue. As Ronald Pawlik aptly summed up, "A human being is a human being."
The Martinshof's name, Martinshof, symbolizes care for the less fortunate, inspired by Saint Martin, the patron saint of the poor. The institution aims to continue its work of supporting and integrating individuals with disabilities into the community.
The Martinshof, with a long history rooted in home-and-garden tasks and craftsmanship, has expanded its work to include modern assembly tasks and retail sales, aiming for a more inclusive lifestyle that integrates individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the institution's core values symbolized by Saint Martin, the patron saint of the less fortunate. In line with this vision, the Martinshof is committed to addressing the gender pay gap in its workforce, ensuring equal pay for women, emphasizing that "A human being is a human being."
