German union Verdi calls for retail and wholesale warning strikes in Berlin and Wiesbaden

The Verdi union announced nationwide warning strikes in the retail and wholesale sectors for Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August. A central rally will be held at Berlin's Wittenbergplatz, where former left‑wing politician Gregor Gysi is scheduled to speak. Verdi is demanding a 7 % pay rise, at least €222, over a twelve‑month period. While a collective agreement in Bavaria recently granted a 2.9 % increase for about 240,000 workers, offers for Berlin and Brandenburg remain unsettled, with concerns that lower‑paid groups could fall below the minimum wage.

In Hesse, Verdi also called a separate strike in Wiesbaden after tariff talks were abruptly cancelled. Workers plan actions in the pedestrian zone at Mauritiusplatz, targeting large chains such as Kaufland, H&M and Zara, and are demanding an additional €250 monthly wage boost plus €150 for apprentices. The current minimum wage stands at €13.90 net (€14.22 gross). Further negotiations are slated for mid‑August.