The Verdi union has once again called for a warning strike at the online fashion retailer Zalando and has specifically chosen the high-sales pre-Christmas period. “While Zalando is wooing customers with discounts, celebrating record sales and the logistics center in Erfurt is supposed to be running at full speed, the employees are making it clear: There can be no smooth shipping without good working conditions,” the union said.
Union accuses companies of ignorance
According to union secretary Matthias Adorf, 50 colleagues took part in the warning strike on the night shift and 60 to 70 colleagues on the morning shift. “It is completely incomprehensible that Zalando ignores the interests of its employees,” emphasized Adorf. The sales are “gigantic” – especially now in the so-called Black Week and Cyber Week.
Zalando refers to an increase in funds of 14.5 percent
The company could not immediately be reached for comment. In October, Zalando pointed out during a warning strike in Erfurt that salaries at the Erfurt location have increased by a total of 14.5 percent since 2024 and the vacation entitlement has been increased to up to 30 days. Employees also received additional benefits such as social advice, time off for voluntary work or free shares. At that time, there were no restrictions for customers as a result of the warning strike.
Collective agreement would mean a wage increase of more than 10 percent
Verdi is calling for the recognition of the area collective agreement for retail and mail order in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. That would mean a wage increase of more than 10 percent for Zalando warehouse workers as well as higher bonuses, special payments, shorter weekly working hours, a collective pension plan and other improvements, it said.
According to Adorf, this wouldn’t be a problem for Zalando. But the company is trying to avoid a collective agreement at all costs. “But that’s exactly what gives security: fair wages, reliable bonuses and a say in working conditions. Zalando wants to prevent that.” A central strike meeting for all shifts was scheduled for Tuesday.