Verdi Takes a Stand
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group, which also includes Lidl, operating large-scale supermarkets across Germany.
© picture alliance/Eibner-Pressefoto
On Thursday, employees of the supermarket chain Kaufland are expected to go on strike nationwide. The union is zeroing in on a particularly prominent figure in the retail landscape.
Shoppers hoping to visit Kaufland on Thursday may encounter interruptions, as the union Verdi has called for a fresh warning strike against the retail giant. According to Verdi, around 100 locations across the country will participate, although Kaufland operates over 790 stores and employs approximately 92,000 people.
Why the Strike?
Kaufland, part of the Schwarz Group alongside Lidl, faces scrutiny amidst calls from Verdi, a prominent labor union. Verdi’s board member, Silke Zimmer, highlighted that Dieter Schwarz is the wealthiest individual in Germany, attributing his immense fortune to the hard work of his employees. Yet, many of these employees struggle to make ends meet.
The extent to which customers will feel the impact of the strike remains uncertain. Typically, retail strikes do not have significant repercussions, and the German Retail Association (HDE) has previously indicated that customers can usually expect minimal disruption.
Negotiations: A Battle for Fair Wages
Negotiations for retail wages commenced in April across various regions. Verdi has previously orchestrated nationwide warning strikes in mid-May and early June, with other retailers, like Ikea, also having faced similar actions recently.
Verdi is demanding a 7% increase in wages, with a minimum raise of 225 euros. The employers have countered with an offer of a 2% increase starting in November in several states, including North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg, followed by an additional 1.5% raise by August 2027, in a two-year contract. This proposal has been rejected by Verdi.
Kaufland’s Role in Negotiations
Representatives from Kaufland are involved in the regional negotiations. This positions the company with substantial influence in employer commissions, making it partially responsible for the unacceptable wage proposals that include zero months and real wage losses.
The Broader Impact of Negotiations
The retail sector employs around 5.2 million people in Germany, with 3.4 million in the retail industry specifically. Previous wage negotiations dragged on for over a year, ultimately resulting in a 14% wage increase for retail employees from 2023 to 2025.
The next negotiating sessions are set for this Friday, focusing on various regions, including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and the wholesale and foreign trade sector in Baden-Württemberg. (dpa/edited by phs)
