Verdi announces four-day warning strike in the retail sector
On the two discount days Black Friday and Cyber Monday, retailers in Berlin and Brandenburg are facing longer queues and empty shelves, and not just because of the huge crowds: the Verdi trade union has called on employees to go on a four-day warning strike from Friday. Both discount days are therefore affected by the planned work stoppage. "Employees in the retail trade and individual companies in the wholesale trade are being called out," Verdi announced.
Wage negotiations for the retail sector have been stuck for months. Among other things, Verdi is demanding at least 2.50 euros more per hour in the retail sector in all regions and a duration of one year. Depending on the federal state, there are further demands. The employers' side has interrupted negotiations at state level. At federal level, Verdi and the HDE trade association wanted to discuss the next steps on Thursday.
"If the companies do not present a negotiable offer now, they will provoke strikes during the Christmas period," said Conny Weißbach, Verdi negotiator for the retail sector in Berlin-Brandenburg, according to a statement. A strike rally is planned for Friday morning (10.30 a.m.) at Arnimplatz in Berlin-Pankow, followed by a demonstration at Schönhauser Arkaden.
Source: www.dpa.com
