What: 19 Galeria stores are on strike but remain open, in order to yield on the collective negotiations affecting 4,000 employees.

Why it is important: The Verdi service union’s approach brings significant pressure on the negotiations with a retailer in a hurry to engage in closing sales, while at the same time keeping a positive image (and, by mirroring effect, putting the blame on GKK).

Employees at 19 department stores of the insolvent Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof group participated in all-day warning strikes across three German states: Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. Despite the strikes, the shops remained open.

The Verdi services union called for the work stoppages in response to deadlocked collective bargaining for the approximately 17,000 employees, demanding recognition of regional retail trade agreements.

The company's restructuring plan, approved by creditors, aims to close 47 of the 129 branches nationwide, resulting in a loss of around 4,000 jobs.

Galeria Karstadt Kaufhoh stores are on strike in 3 German federal states