Verdi expands warning strikes in retail to Friday and Saturday

Wage Demands and Employer Offer

A demonstration was planned in Berlin for Thursday at Wittenbergplatz at 11:30 AM. Verdi justifies the industrial action with the stalled collective bargaining negotiations. The union demands a salary increase of seven percent, but at least 225 euros per month, with a contract duration of twelve months. Additionally, Verdi demands an increase of 250 euros per month for each pay group and 150 euros per month for apprentices per training year.

The employer side recently presented an offer that Verdi rejects as insufficient. In retail, the offer includes a two percent wage increase, and in wholesale, 1.8 percent in the first contract year with zero months of no agreement. Over a two-year period, an additional 1.5 percent increase would be added. Verdi criticizes that this offer is effectively far below the projected inflation rate. Verdi's lead negotiator stated: "Even today, the proportion of what, for example, sales assistants or warehouse workers have to spend on essentials like rent, energy, and food is so high that there is little to no financial leeway."

Union's Justification

Verdi board member Zimmer described the offer as indecent given the business figures of large retail corporations. "It is the employees who literally keep the stores running," the union explained. Zimmer also said that employees are being fobbed off with real wage losses despite the good economic situation of the retail companies. Verdi emphasized that large retail corporations are in excellent economic shape.

The German Retail Association (HDE) rejected the union's depiction and stated that the companies are well-prepared and their internal processes are well-rehearsed. No noticeable effects of the strikes are expected for customers. The HDE had previously announced that there was "hardly any room for maneuver this time" for wage increases due to difficult economic conditions. The employer side argues that the tense economic situation only allows for small income increases.

Retail Association's Reactions

The warning strikes in the current round of negotiations are already the third round of talks. Collective bargaining negotiations for retail, wholesale, and foreign trade have been ongoing since April. In mid-May, Verdi had already called for the first nationwide warning strikes of the current negotiation round and held rallies in several cities.

In Saxony, employees from several central warehouses of food retailers participated in the warning strikes, including the Edeka foodservice central warehouse in Dresden. Employees from the food sector were also part of the strike call. Verdi expects around 800 strike participants in Hesse; according to the union, 120,000 employees work in wholesale in the state.

Impact on Customers and Employees

The first concrete effects have been reported from the branches. At the Ikea location in Wetzlar, a customer reported on Friday that she had to wait an hour at customer service. Notices in the store indicated longer waiting times. Verdi sees such experiences as confirmation of the importance of employees and, at the same time, an argument for higher wages.

According to Verdi, the duty of industrial peace for retail in Brandenburg is valid until June 30, 2026, meaning no retail strikes are possible there for the time being. In numerous other cities and federal states, warning strikes in retail, wholesale, and foreign trade have been ongoing since Thursday. According to Verdi, the strike call is valid in all federal states.

Duty of Industrial Peace and Negotiation Status

The collective bargaining dispute is exemplary of the conflict between the inflationary consequences for employees and the economic restraint of the employer side. While Verdi points to the financial burdens on employees and considers a significant wage increase necessary, employers emphasize the difficult economic conditions and point to their own cost discipline.

Observers expect discussions to continue in the coming weeks. Verdi had already announced that it would increase pressure on the employer side with further strike days if necessary. The next negotiation dates were not initially known.

Outlook on Further Strikes

Consumers should be prepared for possible service disruptions for the time being, such as extended waiting times or limited advice. However, the HDE considers the overall impact on shopping to be minor.

Overall, the current round of negotiations shows that the retail sector remains a central area of ongoing wage disputes in Germany. By extending the strikes to two additional days, Verdi is sending a clear signal to the employer side and simultaneously making visible the pressure on employees who are suffering from rising living costs.