Verdi Takes Action
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group (which also owns Lidl), operating large-scale self-service stores throughout Germany.
© picture alliance/Eibner-Pressefoto
Employees of Kaufland are set to strike nationwide on Thursday, targeting one of the country’s most prominent supermarket chains.
Shoppers at Kaufland on Thursday may experience disruptions as the Verdi union calls for strike action against the retailer. According to Verdi, more than 100 stores will participate in the work stoppage. Kaufland operates over 790 stores across Germany with a workforce exceeding 92,000 people.
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group, which also owns Lidl. “Dieter Schwarz is the richest person in Germany,” stated Verdi board member Silke Zimmer. “His employees have contributed to his billions through their hard work, yet many do not earn enough to make it through the month.”
It remains uncertain how significantly customers will be affected by the strike or which specific locations will be involved. Typically, retail strikes have minimal impact on customers, as previous statements from the German Trade Association (HDE) suggest no notable disruptions are expected.
Dispute Over Wages and Contract Length
Negotiations for the retail sector and wholesale trade began in April in various states. Verdi has previously called for nationwide warning strikes in mid-May and early June. Recently, the furniture chain Ikea also faced similar actions.
Verdi demands a 7% wage increase, with a minimum increase of at least 225 euros, for a contract duration of 12 months. Employers offered a 2% increase starting in November in several regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg, with an additional 1.5% increase set for August 2027, all under a two-year contract. Verdi rejected this proposal.
According to the union, Kaufland representatives are actively involved in regional negotiations and bear significant responsibility for the unacceptable wage offers, which result in real wage losses.
Negotiations Impacting Millions
The retail sector employs approximately 5.2 million people in Germany, with 3.4 million in the retail trade alone. Prior wage negotiations lasted over a year, culminating in a 14% pay increase for retail workers from 2023 to 2025.
Editorial Recommendations
The next negotiation meetings for the retail sector are scheduled for this Friday in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, as well as for the wholesale trade in Baden-Württemberg. (dpa/editing by phs)
