Escalated wage disagreement at Zalando triggers third labor action - Trade union dispute at Zalando escalates for a third time
In a significant escalation of a long-standing labor dispute, employees at Zalando's logistics center in Erfurt, Thuringia, have commenced the third warning strike in the facility's twelve-year history. Around 100 workers gathered at the site as early as 6 am, with expectations of around 250 participants by the end of the day.
The Trade Union of Commerce in Thuringia (Gewerkschaft Handel Thüringen) is leading the charge, demanding that Zalando recognises the regional wage agreements for the retail and mail order industry in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia for its employees. These agreements propose wages for Zalando's warehouse workers that are around 15 percent higher, along with additional benefits such as higher allowances, shorter weekly working hours, and other improvements.
Verdi, the union involved in the dispute, has highlighted the good business development of Zalando as a reason for their demands. The union argues that the company's success warrants fairer treatment for its employees. However, Zalando's management has not shown any willingness to negotiate, as announced by Verdi in Erfurt.
The initial actions in the dispute occurred in April and May. Despite the ongoing labour action, the secretary of the Trade Union of Commerce in Thuringia, Matthias Adorf, stated that the atmosphere is good. He expressed optimism about the potential for a resolution, emphasising the union's commitment to working collaboratively with Zalando to find a mutually beneficial solution.
For precise and up-to-date details on the progress of the third warning strike at Zalando’s Erfurt logistics center and the exact demands of the Trade Union of Commerce in Thuringia, it is recommended to consult recent news sources directly covering this labour dispute or official statements from the union and Zalando.
- The union, Verdi, is calling on Zalando to acknowledge the regional wage agreements in the retail and mail order industry within the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, as these agreements propose wage increases of around 15% for Zalando's warehouse workers, along with enhanced benefits and working conditions.
- The Trade Union of Commerce in Thuringia is pushing for Zalando to consider these demands, citing the company's strong performance in the industry and finance sectors, particularly in the aerospace and general-news arenas, as evidence of its ability to provide fairer treatment to its employees.
- Meanwhile, industry experts are closely monitoring political developments in this dispute, as the outcome could potentially set a precedent for other companies within similar industries facing similar labor concerns.
