Germany sounds the alarm: "Catastrophic situation" in stores
German media are raising the alarm about stores running out of basic goods. Shelves are being emptied, and matters could potentially worsen before the holidays.
The reason for these shortages in stores is a supply workers' strike, organized by labor unions. With an agreement appearing to be far off, there is growing concern that the situation may worsen before the holidays.
Portal T-online indicates that the next round of talks is set to commence only on December 6. Many goods are already in shortage. The daily newspaper "Handelsblatt" reports that deliveries to stores have dwindled, affecting Kaufland, Rewe, Edeka, as well as Netto and Penny discounters.
"The situation is catastrophic"
A manager of one Nahkauf store was transparent in his assertion that "the situation is catastrophic". He stated that one-quarter of the store's shelves are empty. Essential items such as milk, cheese, sausage, fruits, and frozen goods are in short supply, he listed.
The supply worker unions are demanding a pay raise of 13%.
