2024-11-14 19:28:00
The third round of collective bargaining negotiations for the approximately 430,000 employees and apprentices in retail did not produce any results today, November 14th. The employers offered a salary increase of 3.1% as part of a two-year agreement that provides for a 0.5% increase in salaries based on the rolling inflation rate in 2026, but only in the event of a rolling inflation rate below 2.0%.
“This offer is still far too low and would mean that all the risks of the current crisis would be passed on to the employees. The forecasts for the inflation rate in the coming year are significantly higher than 2%. The offer is therefore a provocation. It was not our wish that there would be any military action during the Christmas season, unfortunately the employers did not take up our suggestions for a sensible compromise,” said the chief negotiator of the GPA union, Veronika Arnost.
“We will call our works council members together for a conference next Wednesday and decide on further measures. The most recent company meetings have impressively shown that the employees expect more and are prepared to fight for a fair deal,” said Martin Müllauer, chairman of the GPA trade division.
A fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for November 21st.
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What strategies is the GPA Union considering to advocate for better salary offers in light of the current economic challenges?
**Interview with Veronika Arnost, Chief Negotiator of the GPA Union**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Veronika. The recent round of negotiations saw the employers offer a 3.1% salary increase, with conditions attached. What are your immediate thoughts on this proposal?
**Veronika Arnost**: Thank you for having me. Honestly, the offer is far from adequate. It doesn’t take into account the reality of rising inflation, which significantly outweighs the proposed increase. Essentially, it places the burden of the current economic crisis solely on employees, which is simply unacceptable.
**Editor**: You mentioned that this offer feels like a provocation. Can you elaborate on how you arrived at that sentiment?
**Veronika Arnost**: Yes, the condition that the salary increase would only apply if inflation remains below 2% is particularly troubling. Current forecasts suggest inflation will likely exceed that threshold, which makes the offer not only unrealistic but also dismissive of the employees’ needs. We’re facing a serious cost-of-living crisis, and this proposal ignores that.
**Editor**: Considering the potential impact on the upcoming holiday season, how do you envision the next steps for the union and employees?
**Veronika Arnost**: We’ll be holding a conference with our works council members next Wednesday to discuss our next moves. There’s a clear sense of determination among employees, who are ready to advocate for a fair deal. We hope to find a path forward that avoids disruption during this critical time.
**Editor**: What message would you like to convey to the employers ahead of the next negotiation round on November 21st?
**Veronika Arnost**: We urge the employers to reconsider their stance and come to the table with a more reasonable offer. The employees deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed. It’s time to take a collaborative approach rather than pushing for proposals that are clearly inadequate.
**Editor**: Thank you, Veronika. This is a crucial moment for many employees in the retail sector. Readers, what do you believe: Should companies prioritize fair wages over profit margins, especially during tough economic times? Let’s hear your thoughts.
