Lidl workers begin indefinite strike over wages and Sunday openings

Lidl's focus on efficiency has led to increased workloads and workplace accidents, especially in warehouses where incident rates are high. Additionally, Lidl's plan to expand Sunday store openings with mandatory shifts faces strong opposition from all five unions. Currently, only half of the stores operate on Sundays with voluntary work for employees hired before 2016.

Negotiations between Lidl management and union representatives ended without agreement on February 5. As a result of this impasse, workers have embarked on an "unlimited strike." While not all workers will strike simultaneously, rolling strikes will occur across France along with demonstrations to amplify their demands.

"UNI Global Union stands in solidarity with Lidl workers in France as they demand decent salaries and the right to rest on Sundays. Affordable prices must not come at the cost of workers’ livelihoods and well-being. We urge Lidl to reconsider, respect workers and return to the negotiating table with unions," said Mathias Bolton, Head of UNI’s Commerce sector.

CFTC union members also joined the strike against Lidl in Provence.