Verdi calls for the industrial action in retail in Berlin and Brandenburg

Verdi calls for the industrial action in retail in Berlin and Brandenburg

In Berlin and Brandenburg, retail is in front of warning strikes. The Verdi union called for industrial action on Friday. According to Verdi, employers have submitted offers in the current collective bargaining, which would lead to a significant loss of real wage. Wholesale has been on strike since Thursday.

The warning strike affects employees of Kaufland, Rewe (Oranienburg), Edeka (Freienbrink and Mittenwalde), Galeria and H&M. A rally at the Berlin Cathedral was announced for 11 a.m. However, it was still unclear in the early morning whether there would be branch closures.

The Verdi union calls for a wage increase of 2.50 euros per hour and a minimum wage of 13.50 euros per hour. Verdi calls for a wage increase of 13 percent in wholesale. The term of the collective agreement should be 12 months according to the union's request.

According to the union announcement, employers offered a wage increase of 5.3 percent from October 2023. Verdi criticized that the hourly wage for the lowest wage group would be 13.00 euros - only 59 cents above the statutory minimum wage applicable from January 1, 2024. In wholesale, employers will offer an increase of 5.1 percent from September 2023.

It remains to be seen how the collective bargaining continues and whether employers and Verdi can agree on an agreement. However, the warning strikes clearly show that the union's demands are supported by the employees.