After a week-long break in talks, the collective bargaining dispute in the retail sector will be negotiated again on Thursday: In Hamburg, the Verdi union and the trade association are hoping for an initial agreement in the months-long dispute over higher wages and salaries in the industry. Depending on how the deal turns out, it could serve as a model for all other tariff districts. Negotiations take place at regional level. From the employers’ point of view, the meeting in Hamburg is the “last opportunity for an agreement this year,” said a statement from the German Trade Association (HDE).
However, a conclusion is only possible with a further improved offer, emphasized Corinna Groß, head of the retail sector at the Verdi Federal Executive Board. “We do not accept tariff dictates! We are now assuming that the employers will make a move and hope that we can come to a conclusion for the employees in the Hanseatic city.”
The tariff conflict in retail has been going on for months. 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. At the end of November, representatives met at a top-level meeting at the federal level, but this ultimately did not lead to any progress.
According to the HDE, the basis for the negotiations should be a current offer that was last improved in November. Accordingly, the employers are offering a tariff increase of a total of 10.24 percent over the offered term of 24 months. In addition, the offer includes an inflation compensation bonus of 750 euros and a minimum wage according to the collective agreement. “This offer is only guaranteed until December 31, 2023,” is an ultimatum from the employers. (dpa)