Retail trade - Verdi calls for warning strikes in retail shortly before Christmas
Christmas shopping at the supermarket could become more difficult in Berlin and Brandenburg this year: The trade union Verdi has announced another warning strike in the retail sector in Berlin and Brandenburg shortly before the festive season. Employees at selected Kaufland (plus the warehouse in Lübbenau), Ikea, Penny, H&M, Edeka, Thalia, Rewe (plus the warehouse in Mariendorf) and Netto have been called to take industrial action from this Wednesday up to and including Saturday, the union announced on Tuesday.
The wage dispute in the retail sector has been going on for months. Among other things, Verdi is demanding at least 2.50 euros more per hour in all regions in the retail sector and a duration of one year. Depending on the federal state, there are further demands. At the end of November, representatives met at a top-level meeting at federal level, which ultimately did not lead to any progress.
The union accuses the retail companies of refusing to continue negotiations for several weeks. The employers, on the other hand, argue that Verdi is not aiming for a quick solution and is sticking to maximum demands.
As part of the wage dispute, Verdi has repeatedly called for warning strikes lasting several days in Berlin and Brandenburg in recent months. However, the work stoppages did not usually lead to store closures. Here and there, store shelves remained empty for longer periods of time. The impact of the warning strike on the days immediately before Christmas was initially unclear.
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- The United Services Union, a counterpart to Verdi in the retail sector, has expressed its support for the trade unions' stance, urging for collective bargaining negotiations to resume immediately.
- The ongoing collective bargaining conflict has led to potential additional strikes being announced, with Lidl and Aldi also under consideration for industrial action.
- Brandenburg residents may face disruptions not only in supermarkets but also in bookstores like Thalia, as the trade unions' actions extend to various retail sectors.
- The retail trade, which includes brands like h&m and Edeka, is bracing for potential losses, given the high turnout of customers during the holiday season.
- Some stores may opt for online sales and home delivery alternatives to mitigate the impact of strikes, with Ikea and Kaufland preparing to offer such services for customers in Berlin and Brandenburg.
- With tariffs remaining a significant point of contention in the negotiations, the retail industry in Germany is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for resolution before further disruptions occur.
- The union's justified warning strikes place an extra burden on small-scale retailers, who can't afford to lose business during this critical shopping period.
- Berlin-based retailers, fearing overstocked shelves and potential store closures, are actively appealing to the federal government to step in and facilitate a resolution to the collective bargaining conflict.
- Discussions between the retail companies and trade unions to reach a compromise continue, with both sides aiming to protect the interests of their respective members while maintaining the stability of the retail trade sector.
Source: www.stern.de
