The Verdi union has called on retail workers nationwide to go on warning strikes on Friday. “This is just the first of several strike and action highlights in the coming weeks,” the union said.
The current round of collective bargaining in retail has been going on for months. Even numerous warning strikes, for example right before Christmas, could not change the messy situation. The warning strikes have so far had little impact on customers because participation in the industrial action was rather low.
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. Top-level talks at the federal level have not brought any progress recently. Verdi accuses the employers of blocking the negotiations.
According to the Verdi announcement, several weeks of action will follow until Easter. “We want to specifically focus on the blockers in the employer camp. This week we are starting with Edeka. To do this, actions are taking place in front of warehouses and branches,” announced Silke Zimmer, Verdi federal board member responsible for retail. The union is also planning several strike rallies at Edeka on Friday, including in Hamburg, Cologne and Chemnitz.
