Warning Strike at Kaufland on Thursday: What Customers Can Expect

The Verdi trade union is targeting the retail chain Kaufland with a warning strike scheduled for Thursday, potentially impacting shoppers across Germany. Verdi announced that employees from over 100 Kaufland stores are called to participate in the work stoppage. Kaufland operates more than 790 branches nationwide, employing over 92,000 people.

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Dieter Schwarz is by far the richest person in Germany. His employees have helped earn his billions through their hard work. But their own wages often don't last until the end of the month.

Verdi board member Silke Zimmer stated that employees have contributed to the wealth of the Schwarz Group, which owns Kaufland and Lidl, yet their own wages often fall short by month's end. The extent to which customers will feel the effects of the strike remains uncertain, as Verdi has not specified which branches will be directly involved. Historically, retail strikes have not caused significant disruptions, with the German Retail Association (HDE) previously stating that no major customer impact was expected.

Despite the strike call, a Kaufland spokesperson assured that all stores would operate as usual, with normal shopping and supply chains maintained. The company respects the employees' constitutional right to strike and acknowledges it as a legitimate means for workers to express their demands.

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Our customers can shop with us as usual. The supply of goods to our stores is also ensured.

Negotiations for the retail, wholesale, and foreign trade sectors began in April, with nationwide warning strikes already occurring in May and early June, affecting various retailers like Edeka, Rewe, Douglas, H&M, and Ikea. Verdi is demanding a 7% wage increase, with a minimum of 225 euros, for a 12-month period. Employers have countered with offers of a 2% increase starting in November and another 1.5% in August 2027, over a two-year term, which Verdi has rejected.

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The implementation of strike measures is a legitimate option for employees to express their demands.

Kaufland representatives are involved in regional wage negotiations, giving the company significant influence in employer commissions. Verdi holds Kaufland partly responsible for the current unacceptable offer, which includes initial months with no wage increase and a real-terms pay cut.

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Kaufland representatives are involved in regional tariff negotiations. This gives Kaufland significant weight in employer commissions and makes it partly responsible for the previously unacceptable offer from employers with zero months and real wage losses.