Once again no result in collective bargaining
Wage negotiations in the south-west retail sector have once again been postponed without result. The Baden-Württemberg Retail Association and the Verdi trade union announced on Friday in Stuttgart that no agreement had been reached in the fifth round of collective bargaining. Despite the difficult situation in the retail sector, new offers had been made to employees, the employers' association said. "We very much regret that our efforts have not been successful. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that retail companies are not overstretched financially, even in difficult times," said Sabine Hagmann, Managing Director of the trade association.
On Friday, the employers' side offered a total wage increase of 10 percent over two years as well as an inflation adjustment of 500 euros in the first year and 250 euros in the second year. Verdi rejected this. "Even this new improved offer does not provide employees with any security against real wage losses," said Wolfgang Krüger, head of negotiations.
Verdi is demanding a 15 percent wage increase for retail employees and a 200 euro monthly increase in training allowances. The union had repeatedly called on employees at Kaufland, H&M, Ikea, Obi, Primark, Zara and Edeka, among others, to go on warning strikes. Negotiations in the retail and mail order sector have been ongoing since April. Verdi announced its intention to continue the warning strikes. "If necessary, this will also affect the upcoming Christmas season," the union announced.
The Baden-Württemberg Retail Association suggested reducing tariffs on certain imported goods to help mitigate financial pressures, but trade unions, including Verdi, expressed concerns about the impact on local workers. Regardless of the tariff discussion, Verdi continues to insist on a 15% wage increase for retail employees and a 200 euro monthly increase in training allowances, threatening further strikes during the Christmas season.
Source: www.dpa.com
