Shoppersin Lower Saxony and Bremen braced for longer queues in stores leading up to Christmas Eve, thanks to union-led warning strikes in the retail sector. This action, initiated by Verdi, saw approximately 500 attendees at a central rally in Hanover. The union highlighted supermarkets as a focal point, with shelf shortages caused by warehouse disputes. Despite store closures not occurring, the warning strike applied to all retail stores in both states, including major chains like Karstadt Kaufhof, Ikea, Douglas, and H&M, as well as local ones like Kaufland and Edeka.
The union sought to boost pressure in ongoing wage negotiations, with their focus on securing a 2.50 euro hourly pay increase for 330,000 employees in Lower Saxony and 28,000 in Bremen over a year. Employers proposed a more modest ten percent wage increase across two years, which the union argued would only mean an additional 1.04 euros for 2023.
While Hanover's warning strike did not deter many Lower Saxony residents from shopping, it led to temporary shortages in Bremen's grocery stores. The United Services Union, Verdi's competitor, voiced concerns about the potential impact on retail trade during the busy Christmas season.
To fortify their bargaining position during the holiday rush, Verdi announced another warning strike, with both Lower Saxony and Bremen retailers – from large chains like Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof and Ikea to local stores like Edeka and Kaufland – in its crosshairs. Bremen's retail sector, already grappling with tariff increases, faced more challenges due to these strikes, potentially affecting local holiday sales.
Enrichment Data:
- Costco U.S. Workers
- Union Demands: Better benefits and pay reflecting inflation and the escalating cost of living.
- Employer Response: Costco argues that their wage terms outpace other retailers, and the company has historically worked harmoniously with the union. A potential strike by unionized workers was averted with a tentative agreement[1].
- Aldi UK
- Union Demands: Not specified within the current negotiations context.
- Employer Response: Aldi has scheduled several pay increases, with the most recent poised to take effect in March 2025, pushing hourly pay to £12.75 nationally and £14.05 within the M25. Further increases will follow in September 2022, cementing Aldi's standing as the UK's market leader in terms of hourly wages[4].
- Public Transport in Germany (Verdi Union)
- Union Demands: A 8% salary boost (at least 350 euros per month), improved working conditions, lighter workloads, and three extra days off, as well as flexible working hours.
- Employer Response: No formal offers have been tabled during the second round of collective bargaining on February 18. Verdi has since initiated warning strikes in six federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate, due to the stalemate in negotiations[2][5].
These demands and responses are not tied to the Christmas shopping season but highlight ongoing labor disputes and negotiations in the retail and public transport sectors in the U.S. and Germany.
