While hundreds of retail workers in Berlin and Brandenburg have just gone on a four-day warning strike, bringing the wage conflict that has been simmering for months into the important Christmas business, the German Trade Association (HDE) regrets the still unresolved situation. Verdi is “not prepared to engage in constructive negotiations,” according to a statement from the employers’ side. The union is “sticking to its maximum demands despite the difficult economic conditions for the companies”.
Actually, an important negotiation date between the union and employer representatives should have taken place in Hamburg on December 5th, which could have made an agreement possible before the Christmas business. However, this was canceled by the union for health reasons.
Verdi is demanding, among other things, at least 2.50 euros more per hour in retail in all regions for a term of one year. Depending on the federal state, there are additional requirements. The union also wants to enforce a minimum wage of 13.50 euros per hour.
The employers’ current offer would lead to an increase in collective wages by 10.24 percent over a period of 24 months. “You have to think about what is currently on the table as an offer. This is historic for the industry,” said HDE tariff managing director Steven Haarke. “It is completely incomprehensible to us why the union has not yet agreed to this. Inflation is currently falling sharply again, and after Christmas we as employers will be negotiating under completely different economic conditions.”
The focus of the new strikes in Berlin and Brandenburg is currently primarily on Edeka, Rewe and Kaufland, Verdi announced on Thursday. But other companies such as fashion houses and electronics stores could also be affected by the work stoppages. Camps should also go on strike.