Germany - More than 5,000 retail employees on strike - May 31, 2026

On 15 May 2026, more than 5,000 retail workers heeded the call for a warning strike issued by the Services Union ver.di. The strikers participated in major rallies in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Dortmund. The strike stems from the ongoing wage dispute between ver.di and employers in the retail sector. With 5 million employees, the retail sector is the largest private service sector in the country. The real purchasing power of wages and salaries is currently at the same level as in 2020. The union is therefore demanding a negotiable offer as soon as possible. The German Retail Federation has presented an offer for a 24-month agreement, a six-month wage freeze, and pay increases of only 2% starting 1 November 2026, and 1.5% starting 1 August 2027. The union is demanding a 7% wage increase, with a minimum of € 225.

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