"Start with Edeka"

German retail workers go on strike on Friday

The German trade union Verdi has called on retail workers across Germany to go on warning strikes on Friday. "This week we are starting with Edeka. There will be actions in front of warehouses and stores," announced Silke Zimmer from the union.

Branches in Hamburg, Cologne and Chemnitz are among those affected. According to the Verdi statement, several weeks of action will follow until Easter. "This is just the first of several strike and action highlights in the coming weeks," it says. "We want to focus specifically on the obstructionists in the employers' camp."

The current round of collective bargaining in the German retail sector has been going on for months. Even numerous warning strikes, for example directly before Christmas, have been unable to change the situation. Verdi is demanding at least 2.50 euros more pay per hour in all regions and a one-year term for employees. Depending on the federal state, further demands are also being made.

Participation rather low so far
Even top-level talks at federal level have not brought any progress recently. Verdi has accused the employers of blocking the negotiations. So far, the warning strikes have had little impact on customers because not many employees have taken part in the industrial action.