Amazon raises wages for German employees, union remains critical

Online retailer Amazon is raising wages for its logistics staff in Germany. Starting in September, employees with at least two years of service will earn 18.87 euros per hour, a 3.1% increase. New hires will see a 4.1% raise to 16.66 euros per hour. Amazon sets its own wages, as it has not concluded a collective bargaining agreement with any union.

The union Verdi has long criticized Amazon's pay structure and working conditions, frequently calling for warning strikes. Amazon argues it is a fair and responsible employer, noting that wages have increased annually since 2014. The new hourly rate represents the "network average," with some locations paying more and others less. It significantly exceeds the minimum wage of 13.90 euros per hour.

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We are investing in competitive compensation and long-term career opportunities.

The wage increase applies to tens of thousands of unskilled workers at Amazon's over 100 logistics sites in Germany. These employees handle tasks like retrieving items from shelves and packing them. Amazon is also looking to hire more staff, with its German workforce exceeding 40,000 and continuing to grow. "We are investing in competitive compensation and long-term career opportunities," stated Amazon Germany CEO Rocco Bräuniger.

Verdi remains critical, with union board member Silke Zimmer stating, "Despite the wage increases, the fact remains: employees demand legally binding collective agreements for the retail and mail-order sector and negotiations at eye level." The union also opposes Amazon's use of subcontractors for package delivery, arguing that working conditions for these drivers are often poor and that they should be directly employed by Amazon.

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Despite the wage increases, the fact remains: employees demand legally binding collective agreements for the retail and mail-order sector and negotiations at eye level.