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Galeria Strike in Berlin over Wages and Job Security

Galeria employees in Berlin and Brandenburg are on strike due to wage disputes and concerns over job security related to planned store closures and building redevelopment.

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German

Germany

Germany Labour MarketRetailLabor DisputeStrikeJob SecurityRedevelopment

Galeria KaufhofKarstadtVerdiNrdcCommerz Real

Conny WeißbachBernd Beetz

What is Verdi's demand regarding the negotiations?: Verdi, the German trade union, is calling for the Galeria management to return to the negotiating table and cease their "immoral and toxic offers" to workers.
What is the reason behind the warning strike by Verdi?: Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt employees in Berlin and Brandenburg are staging a one-day warning strike due to disagreements over wages and the potential loss of jobs, prompted by the new owner's demands to forgo collective bargaining.
What are the plans for the Galeria store at Alexanderplatz?: The Galeria location at Alexanderplatz in Berlin is scheduled to close in late 2025, and the building's owner plans to redevelop it for mixed use, causing concern among employees about job security.
What are the conditions imposed by the Galeria management for a wage increase?: The new Galeria owners are offering a wage increase, but only if employees agree to drop their collective bargaining agreement, forcing them to choose between a raise with fewer worker protections or no raise at all.
What are the plans for the Alexanderplatz building after the Galeria store closes?: The Commerz Real, owner of the Alexanderplatz building, is in talks with Galeria and the Berlin Senate to find a solution that includes both retail space and a possible new location for the city's central and state library.

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