Retail workers start a four-day warning strike

Collective bargaining negotiations in the retail sector have been stuck for months, which is why employees went on a four-day warning strike on Friday. The Verdi union said the campaign was primarily focused on supermarkets.

A four-day warning strike began on Friday in retail and some wholesale companies in Berlin and Brandenburg. The Verdi union has called for this.

According to the union, the focus is on the supermarket chains Edeka, Rewe and Kaufland. But other companies such as fashion stores and electronics stores can also be affected by the work stoppages. According to the information, some warehouses are also on strike, which is why shelves in the shops can remain empty.

On Friday morning, several hundred employees gathered at Arnimplatz in Berlin-Pankow for a rally. The employers’ offer was heavily criticized by speakers: In view of inflation, this meant a loss of real wages, it was said, among other things.

It is already the sixth warning strike in the wage dispute that has been simmering for months. Negotiations for trade are stuck. Verdi is demanding, among other things, at least 2.50 euros more per hour in retail in all regions and a term of one year. Depending on the federal state, there are additional requirements.

“If companies continue to refuse to return to the negotiating table with a realistic offer, they will lose even more employees and further fuel the shortage of skilled workers and skilled workers. We need a deal now, before Christmas,” said Verdi negotiator Conny Weißbach.

The employers accused Verdi of not seeking a quick solution but of sticking to its maximum demands. The employer offer would lead to a collective wage increase of 10.24 percent over the proposed term of 24 months, according to the HDE trade association. “You have to be aware of what is currently on the table as an offer. This is historic for the industry,” said HDE tariff managing director Steven Haarke.

Broadcast: rbb24 Brandenburg aktuell, December 7th, 2023, 7:30 p.m