Germany - Agreement in North Rhine-Westphalia's retail sector - August 31, 2026

Employees in North Rhine-Westphalia’s retail sector will receive a 3% pay increase effective 1 August 2026. On 1 May 2027, wages will rise by a further 2%. The agreement has a term of 25 months. Apprentice wages will also be increased at the same times. From 1 May 2027, a minimum hourly wage of € 14.90 will apply to employees. This means that thousands of employees in North Rhine-Westphalia are once again covered by a collective agreement. ver.di union considers the agreement a success for the 70,000 employees in the sector. The union expects the outcome to serve as a basis for further agreements in the remaining 15 retail sector bargaining regions.

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