Retail employers want minimum wage. “We do not want wage dumping in German retail trade. This is why we want to sign a collective agreement introducing minimum wage at national level and for all types of retail trade operations” declared Stefan Genth, general secretary of the HAD (German Retail Trade Federation), on October 12th. He isn’t doubting the success of the coming negotiations and wants to open talks as soon as possible to reach an agreement by the end of the year. Of course, the Verdi services union said yes. Aware of the political impact of his announcement, Genth nevertheless said that he was still opposed to statutory minimum wage defined by the political parties: “Retail trade doesn’t need a Minimum Wage Act; it would be a fundamental mistake. Sectoral social partners should determine whether such a salary is necessary and what its amount should b” he said. Indeed, this was crucial. Currently, 9 sectors have implemented minimum wage, for a total of 2.2 million employees (see our dispatch No. 110349). If retail trade and its 2 million employees joined, this figure would almost double. Besides, it is a decisive sign to the Conservative-Liberal government, part of which is openly shifting to the “pro-minimum wage” side.
ctoral social partners should determine whether such a salary is necessary and what its amount should b” he said. Indeed, this was crucial. Currently, 9 sectors have implemented minimum wage, for a total of 2.2 million employees (see our dispatch No. 110349). If retail trade and its 2 million employees joined, this figure would almost double. Besides, it is a decisive sign to the Conservative-Liberal government, part of which is openly shifting to the “pro-minimum wage” side.
The Conservati
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