Verdi announces nationwide warning strikes in retail for Friday

Verdi is demanding a 7 percent pay increase, at least 225 euros, with a term of twelve months. In the wholesale and foreign trade sector, the union is also demanding 7 percent, at least 250 euros. The employers' side has gradually improved its offer and most recently presented a proposal in the retail sector of 2.4 percent more money from November 2026 and a further 2 percent from August 2027. This provides for an increase of 2.4 percent from November and another 2 percent from August 2027 — with a term of two years. The union rejected this.

Demands and offer at a glance

Verdi federal board member Silke Zimmer justified the escalation with the stance of the employers' side. „Die Arbeitgeber spielen in dieser Tarifrunde erneut auf Zeit - daher werden wir jetzt den Druck noch einmal erhöhen“, said Zimmer. „Wer so unverantwortlich mit seinen Beschäftigten umgeht, verspielt die Zukunft der größten privatwirtschaftlichen Branche hierzulande.“ The union had recently called for nationwide warning strikes several times already; most recently, Kaufland and Ikea were among those in the spotlight.

Around 5.2 million people work in retail in Germany, according to Verdi, of which 3.4 million are in the retail trade. This makes the sector one of the largest employers in Germany. The previous collective bargaining negotiations dragged on for more than a year. In the end, retail employees received a total pay increase of around 14 percent for the years 2023 to 2025.

Reaction from the employers' side

On the employers' side, the German Retail Association (HDE) reacted calmly to the announced actions. „Den angekündigten Streiks von Verdi morgen sehen wir gelassen entgegen. Die Handelsunternehmen sind gut vorbereitet“, said Steven Haarke, Head of Collective Bargaining at the HDE. „Die bisherigen Arbeitskampfmaßnahmen haben keine spürbaren Auswirkungen auf die Versorgung der Kundinnen und Kunden gehabt, das wird auch morgen wieder im gesamten Bundesgebiet so sein.“ The association thus dismissed concerns about supply shortages.

The warning strikes are intended to increase pressure on the employers' side in the upcoming rounds of negotiations. Verdi had already called for actions several times in recent weeks. With the demonstrations and walkouts announced for Friday in seven major cities, the union aims to demonstrate its presence once more ahead of the next negotiation dates. Observers expect the collective bargaining dispute to shape the coming weeks.