Collective agreement negotiations for 's retail sector are set to begin on October 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Led by chairman Martin Müllauer and lead negotiator Linda Keizer, the talks affect 420,000 workers in the nation's largest private employer.
The GPA union is demanding a minimum salary increase of 3.3 percent, matching the current rolling inflation rate. Lead negotiator Rainer Trefelik represents the employers as both sides prepare for three scheduled sessions and one backup date to reach a deal.
With 71 percent of staff being women and 57 percent working part-time, the union highlights that a 25-hour worker nets just 1,237 euros monthly. While 2025 full-time pay averaged 2,568 euros, the GPA rejects discussing opening hours despite 1% growth forecasts.