Retail tariffs - More money for 50,000 employees in wholesale and foreign trade
Approximately 50,000 employees in retail and wholesale trade in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt will receive more money. After 13 months of negotiations, an agreement was reached on a total increase in wages of 14 percent, according to Verdi negotiator Torsten Furgol. This also includes an increase in pension contributions of an additional 480 Euro and an inflation adjustment bonus of 1,000 Euro for full-time employees. The new collective bargaining agreement runs, according to union statements, until the end of April 2026.
It was a very long negotiation round, said Judith Röder, spokesperson for tariff policy at the Federal Association of Wholesale and Foreign Trade. Both parties had it difficult. "The economic framework conditions for the companies have become increasingly unfavorable." Nevertheless, one can be satisfied with the conclusion.
In retail and wholesale trade in Saxony, around 30,000 people work, and around 18,000 in Saxony-Anhalt. An agreement was also reached in the retail trade only a week ago.
The agreement in retail and wholesale trade will significantly impact employees in both Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, contributing to an improved economic situation for many families. The United Services Union commends the efforts made during the negotiations, recognizing the challenging tariffs and economic conditions faced by companies in Foreign trade. The additional pension contributions and inflation adjustment bonus will also contribute positively to the retirement provision of employees in Magdeburg and beyond. The company's financial health and long-term sustainability will likely benefit from this collectively agreed increase in wages.
