Retail employees in Berlin and Brandenburg will receive higher wages following a successful agreement between Verdi and the Berlin-Brandenburg Trade Association.

In Berlin and Brandenburg, retail employees are set to receive higher wages after the third round of negotiations between the Verdi union and the Berlin-Brandenburg Trade Association resulted in finalized collective agreements. The wage increases will be implemented retroactively, with Berlin employees seeing a 3% rise from September 1, 2026, and an additional 2% increase starting June 1, 2027. The agreement will remain in effect for 25 months, concluding on June 30, 2028.

Similarly, in Brandenburg, wages will increase by 3% retroactively from October 1, 2026, followed by another 2% rise beginning July 1, 2027. This agreement will also span 25 months, ending on July 31, 2028. In addition to wage increases, apprenticeship compensation will be gradually raised, and a minimum wage for employees in lower pay groups has been established under the new agreements.

Nils Busch-Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of the Berlin-Brandenburg Trade Association, emphasized the importance of the agreements, stating that they provide businesses in both regions with reliable frameworks for the next two years. He acknowledged the significant financial burdens on companies but highlighted the necessity of planning security to navigate the upcoming period effectively.